The Siamese trace their genealogy up to the first disciples of Buddha (Gandama), and commence their records five centuries before the Christian era. A succession of dynasties, varying their seat of government, figure in the earlier volumes; and the miracles of Buddha, and the intervention of supernatural beings, are frequently introduced. Later on there are accounts of matrimonial alliances between Siamese princes and the Imperial families of China, and of embassies to, and wars with, neighbouring countries, the whole interwoven with relations of prodigies and marvellous legends respecting Sudra and other divinities. After the establishment of Ayuthia as the capital, history assumes its rightful place, and the succession of the sovereigns and the course of events are registered with tolerable correctness. The city of Ayuthia was founded by Phaja-Utong, who took the title of Phra-Rama-Thibaldi.[3] [3] “The word Phra, which so frequently occurs in this work, here appears for the first time; I have to remark that it is probably derived from, or of common origin with, the Pharaoh of antiquity. It is given in the Siamese dictionaries as synonymous with God, ruler, priest, and teacher. It is in fact the word by which sovereignty and sanctity are associated in the popular mind. As the title Divus was appropriated by the Roman Emperor, as in most monarchies a sort of sacredness is attached to the royal person, the orientals have made gods of their kings, their heroes, and their sages, without any scruple. Image-worship is in fact only the materialising or incarnating of the idea of Deity.”--_The Kingdom and People of Siam_, Sir John Bowring. [Illustration: Drawn by M. Catenacci, from a Photograph. RUINS OF A TEMPLE AND STATUE OF BUDDHA AT AYUTHIA.] EPOCHS. The following dates, drawn from the annals, and marking important epochs in the sacred history of Siam, are believed to be nearly correct:-- Christian Buddhist Era. Era. The reigning Buddha died on the 3rd day of the 6th month of the year of the serpent, corresponding with the year B.C. 543 The first great Buddhist Council was convoked under Ajatra-Sutra (in India) the year of the death of Buddha The second grand Council was convoked under Hala-Sokkaraja B.C. 443 100 The third, under the rule of Sri Dhamma Soka B.C. 325 218 The fourth grand Council B.C. 143 400 The Buddhist doctor, Phra Buddha Ghosa, introduced Buddhism into Cambodia A.D. 422 965