Ancient Palace Ruins Uncovered After Myanmar Earthquake

Emerging ruins in Inwa, Myanmar following a massive earthquake. Courtesy Myanmar's Department of Archaeology and National Museum

A massive earthquake in Myanmar has revealed the remains of what may be a royal water palace, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the country’s imperial past.

The 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck late last month and killed thousands, not only caused widespread devastation but also unearthed ancient ruins near Inwa, close to the town of Tada-U in central Myanmar. The newly exposed site is believed to date back to the Konbaung Dynasty, the last royal dynasty before British annexation in 1885.

Archaeologists say the structure includes stairways, foundation walls, and the remains of pavilions—features that match descriptions in centuries-old palm-leaf manuscripts. The site was likely part of Ratnapura Ava, or the "City of Gems," an imperial capital used by Burmese monarchs between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Parts of the structure—specifically the southern Thayetkin staircase—were first discovered in 2009 by local residents and later maintained by Myanmar’s Department of Archaeology and National Museum. However, the recent earthquake has revealed previously hidden sections, believed to be part of a ceremonial water structure used by kings for ritual purposes.

“This is a monumental discovery,” one official said, highlighting plans to fully excavate and preserve the site. Authorities hope to make it accessible to the public in future, as both an educational resource and a reminder of Myanmar’s deep cultural heritage.

Inwa itself is steeped in history. Once repeatedly looted and rebuilt, it was finally abandoned after a series of major quakes in 1839. The recent seismic activity appears to have once again shifted the earth—this time revealing rather than destroying.

The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the region’s past, even as the country grapples with a humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake and ongoing conflict. Amid the ruins, a fragment of Myanmar’s lost royal splendour has come to light.

-2025-14-14