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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Featured Kings

Discover the legendary rulers who shaped history

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Sri Lanka

King Senarat

1604–1635 CE

Senarat (1604–1635) ruled Kandy for 31 years, navigating Portuguese military pressure and internal succession disputes. His lengthy reign maintained h...

Sri Lanka

King Kalinga Magha (Polonnaruwa)

1215–1236 CE

Kalinga Magha (1215–1236) was an invader from Kalinga (East India) who conquered Polonnaruwa and ruled for 21 years. Chronicles describe his reign as ...

Sri Lanka

King Voharika Tissa

245–247 CE

Voharika Tissa (245–247 CE) is noted in chronicles for measures against extremist ascetic factions—possibly Mahayana or heterodox Theravāda sects perc...

Sri Lanka

King Rajasinha I

1581–1593 CE

Rajasinha I (1581–1593) succeeded Mayadunne in Sitawaka, ruling for twelve years with fierce anti-Portuguese militancy. He conquered Kotte temporarily...

Sri Lanka

King Vatuka

47 BCE

Vatuka (47 BCE) is noted only by name and year, exemplifying ultrashort succession anomalies. His accession and displacement highlight intense elite c...

Sri Lanka

King Kasi Nayinar Cinkaiariyan

1565–1570 CE

Kasi Nayinar Cinkaiariyan was installed by the Portuguese after his predecessor's overthrow, ruling Jaffna as a client for five years. He maintained H...

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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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