Tale of the Sigiriya

The tale of Sigiriya is a fascinating story from ancient Sri Lanka that revolves around the construction and eventual downfall of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous historical and archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. Image by Poswiecie from Pixabay The story begins in the 5th century AD during the reign of King Kasyapa I. Kasyapa, who was the son of King Dhatusena, seized the throne from his father after a bitter power struggle. Fearing retribution from his half-brother and rightful heir to the throne, Prince Moggallana, Kasyapa decided to build an impregnable fortress to serve as his royal residence and protect him from any potential threats. Kasyapa chose the massive rock formation of Sigiriya as the site for his fortress. The rock stands about 200 meters (660 feet) tall and is surrounded by lush forests and moats, making it a naturally defensible location. The king ordere...