Songtsen Gampo was the 33rd king of the Tibetan Empire, reigning in the 7th century. He is credited with unifying Tibet and establishing it as a significant power in Central Asia. His reign marked the beginning of the spread of Buddhism in Tibet, as he married two Buddhist princesses, Bhrikuti of Nepal and Wencheng of China, who helped promote the religion. Under Songtsen Gampo's leadership, the Tibetan script was developed, which facilitated the translation of Buddhist texts. He is also known for constructing the Potala Palace in Lhasa, which became a symbol of Tibetan culture and governance. His legacy continues to influence Tibetan identity and spirituality today.