Sigiriya Timelines

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Sigiriya Timelines

About

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as the “Lion Rock” due to the lion paws carved at the entrance. Sigiriya is famous for its magnificent frescoes, landscaped gardens, and the ancient rock-top citadel. It stands as a testament to the remarkable engineering and architectural skills of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Sri Lanka.

Time Period

Time Period
5th century AD

Historical Events

Event	Date
Construction of Sigiriya Rock Fortress begins	477 AD
Visit by Chinese monk Faxian	5th century AD
Abandonment of Sigiriya due to a south Indian invasion	495 AD
Rediscovery of Sigiriya by British explorer Jonathan Forbes	1831 AD
Declaration of Sigiriya as a UNESCO World Heritage Site	1982 AD

Emperors

Emperor	Time Period
Kassapa I (King Dhatusena’s son)	477 – 495 AD

Mysteries

• The purpose of the frescoes on the western face of Sigiriya
• The disappearance of the Lion’s head entrance
• The use of the Mirror Wall and its inscriptions

Wars

War	Time Period
South Indian invasion leading to the abandonment of Sigiriya	495 AD

Important Persons

• Kassapa I – Built the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Jonathan Forbes – Rediscovered Sigiriya in the 19th century

Current State

Sigiriya is well-preserved and attracts thousands of tourists each year. It remains a prominent archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.