An ethno-linguistic group, now extinct, with a Tibeto-Burman language, calling themselves Tirchul. They were probably related to the Burmese. Their kingdom of P'iao in the Irrawaddy basin was first mentioned in the 3rd century by Chinese sources and probably existed from the 1st century BC-9th century AD. Chinese historical records noted that the Pyu claimed sovereignty over 18 kingdoms, many of them in the southern portions of Myanmar. By the 12th century, the Pyus were absorbed by the Burmans.