World History Archive

Explore the rich history and heritage of kingdoms and rulers from ancient times to the colonial era. Discover 194 rulers across 20 kingdoms from around the world.

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Daily Featured Rulers

Discover the legendary rulers who shaped history

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Sri Lanka

King Dutugemunu

161–137 BCE

Dutugemunu is one of the most celebrated heroes in Sri Lankan history, revered for liberating and unifying the island under a single banner. As the so...

Sri Lanka

Queen Lilavati

1197–1200, 1209–1210, 1211–1212 CE

Queen Lilavati ruled in three separate intervals (1197–1200, 1209–1210, 1211–1212), an extraordinary pattern of repeated accession and displacement. H...

Sri Lanka

King Mahinda III

801–804 CE

Mahinda III (801–804 CE) ruled for three years, sustaining administrative and religious continuity. His brief tenure focused on irrigation upkeep and ...

Sri Lanka

King Senasammata Vikramabahu

1469–1511 CE

Senasammata Vikramabahu (1469–1511) is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Kandyan kingdom, establishing an independent highland realm. His 4...

Sri Lanka

King Dhatusena

455–473 CE

Dhatusena (455–473 CE) is a heroic restorative figure who expelled Tamil invaders and reclaimed Anuradhapura for Sinhalese rule. His 18-year reign emp...

Sri Lanka

King Rajadhi Rajasinha

1782–1798 CE

Rajadhi Rajasinha (1781–1798) ruled Kandy for seventeen years, maintaining Buddhist patronage and highland autonomy. His reign navigated Dutch coastal...

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Historical Kingdoms

Explore powerful kingdoms and empires from across the ages

Egypt

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New Kingdom of Egypt

The New Kingdom was the golden age of ancient Egypt, marked by territorial expansion and monumental architecture.

Sri Lanka

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Tambapanni

Earliest recorded settlement under Vijaya, also known as Thammanna Nuwara.

Sri Lanka

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Upatissa Nuwara

Interim capital after Vijaya period

Sri Lanka

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Anuradhapura Kingdom

First major kingdom; irrigation & Buddhist center

India

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Maurya Empire

The Maurya Empire was the largest empire to have existed in the Indian subcontinent.

China

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Qin Dynasty

The Qin dynasty unified China for the first time in history.

Sri Lanka

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Kelaniya Kingdom

A provincial kingdom with deep mythological and Buddhist significance. It was the capital of King Kelanitissa and the birthplace of Vihara Maha Devi.

Sri Lanka

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Ruhuna

Founded around 200 BC by Prince Mahanaga after a dispute with his brother, King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura. Located in the south of Sri Lanka, it became a crucial center for Sinhalese culture and a base of resistance against invaders. Key cities included Magama and Tissamaharama.

Italy

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