Bangkok has only been the capital of Thailand since 1782, taking over this role from the city of Ayutthaya, which served as the capital for over 400 years from 1351 to 1767. At its peak, Ayutthaya was a thriving cultural and economic center as the most powerful kingdom in Southeast Asia, until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Although no longer the capital, Ayutthaya remains an important historic site today, with ruins and artifacts that provide a glimpse into Thailand's golden age under its former rulers.