This volume summarizes the current scholarship of the earliest phase of Thai history — an exciting but little understood period that bridged the gap between protohistory and the fully developed historical period. Written by ten international scholars, it examines the inception of the Dvaravati period in the fifth century with chapters on archaeology; considers the art and architecture of the sixth to tenth centuries. The book provides an overview of the art historical characteristics of Dvaravati style; collates the epigraphic evidence, including previously unpublished texts; considers the importance of trade and religion in cementing relationships between early Southeast Asian societies and as paramount incentives for its expansion and development; and discusses the end of the period.