ABSTRACT
B y THE BEGBINNING of the sixteenth century, the Lan Xang of Fa Ngum had changed beyond all recognition. Chao Fa Ngum had created a nation out of a large number of small muongs, who voluntarily, or by force, acknowledged the sovereignty of Lan Xang. When King Visoun died, these small groups had become a network of principalities and chiefdoms who were allowed their local independence in return for the payment of an annual tribute and the provision of soldiers and supplies in times of need.
