Because the name of Suphan Buri Province means City of Gold, some believe the city to be the site of the legendary Suvarnabhumi that is mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts. The area has been continuously occupied since as early as the Dvaravati period in the 9th century, when the city was known as Mueang Thawarawadi Si Suphannaphumi. The city was later called U Thong, after its most famous son, Prince U Thong became the founder of the Ayutthaya kingdom. The city was later a historically important border town that was at the front lines of many conflicts; in 1592, the legendary elephant battle between King Naresuan the Great and the crown prince of Burma took place in Suphan Buri. Today there are many historical sites, in addition to a wide variety of natural attractions including caves, waterfalls, bird parks, fish sanctuaries, and a crocodile ‘farm’.