Sigiriya
The great rock of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is one of Sri Lanka's most magnificent natural landmarks. It rose to prominence in the 5th Century AD when the patricidal King Kassapa established his palace above the rock. Kassapa had deposed and murdered his royal sire after learning that his younger half-brother, Mogallana, had been named heir to the throne. Mogallana fled to India, returning 18 years later to fight Kassapa. In an inexplicable moment of aberration, Kassapa descended from his impenetrable, lofty palace in the clouds and was defeated when his terrified elephant turned and bolted. His troops thought that the king had retreated, gave up the fight and fled. Kassapa, facing certain defeat, drew his sword and plunged it into his own throat, bringing an end to his 18 year rule.
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