May 4, 1868: A scripture engraved to outlast empires (more) Today in History—May 4: When Buddhist Scripture Was Written on 729 Giant Tablets Written by Ethan Teekah Ethan Teekah is an Associate Editor at Encyclopædia Britannica, where he leads coverage of Asia. Ethan Teekah Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 30, 2026 •History May 4, 1868: A scripture engraved to outlast empires© Pictures From History—Universal Images Group/Getty Images; Photo Illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. On this day in 1868, the Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay, Myanmar, was completed. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on May 4, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every morning. Inside...

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