Ancient Mataram Hindu Period (8th-9th AD)
The history of Purworejo is first recorded on Kayu Ara Hiwang inscription in 5th October 901, which is being found in Boro Wetan Village. The area was originally known by the name 'Bagelen' and it is now become a smaller part of the whole Purworejo regency. In the 9th centuries, Bagelen is part of the history of the ancient Mataram Hindu civilization (See: Medang Kingdom) which was flourished on Kedu Plain. It is estimated that within the period of Rakai Watukara Dyah Balitung, Bagelen had became the capital of the Mataram Hindu Kingdom or that it is the origin of the king as Watukara is a river name in Bagelen. The ancient artifact being found in Bagelen is Kayu Ara Hiwang inscription which explain Shima ceremony. At that period, when a new land is being opened for economic or religious use, there will be a ceremony being held by the authorities, namely Shima ceremony. The authorities mentioned in the inscription are: Sang Ratu Bajra, who is allegedly as Rakryan Mahamantri/Mapatih Hino Sri Daksottama Bahubajrapratipaksaya, who is also the brother-in-law of Rakai Watukura Dyah Balitung and who is also later became Balitung's successor. The ceremony mentions that the land is being freed from any tax duty, but it has the obligation to maintain the holiness of a scared place called �parahiyangan� (which means the place of Gods). The ceremony also purified the area of Kayu Ara Hiwang of any evil's influence. Kayu Ara Hiwang area itself consists of rice fields, savanna, caves and arable land. The cave mentioned in the inscription is identified as Seplawan Cave, where a shiva gold statue is being found and therefore the second artifact within Bagelen area. Within this period, Bagelen has became a religious center where some Buddhist monks (and often skilled with martial arts) were probably lived along the Bogowonto river banks.
Mataram Sultanate (Moslem) Period (15th-16th AD)
During this period,
