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The Kingdom of Ayutthaya emerged as a dynastic urban centre founded by Ramathibodi I (U-Thong), who was most likely descended from political unions between several regional dynastic houses that ruled the Lower Chao Phraya delta before the 14th century. Early Ayutthayan governance, urban design, and technological foundations were taken from these early states, which were largely based around decentralized leagues of cities. By the 15th century, the Ayutthaya territories had expanded by absorbing neighboring kingdoms, necessitating a system of bureaucracy with appointed governors and ministries. Ayutthaya was famously cosmopolitan, and by the 17th century had permanent settlements for foreigners such as the Armenians, Mons, Laotians, Chams, Malays, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Persians.