Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s capital for 1500 years, hunter gatherers inhabited the island for more than 30,000 years. In the early first millennium rice farmers from India appeared.
By the fourth century BCE a walled, city with sturdy houses on regular streets appeared. The ancient Sri Lankans were skilled engineers and built networks of canals and reservoirs to supply water for irrigation and domestic use.
Buddhism was introduced by Mauryan King Ashoka’s son, Mahinda in 246 BCE.
In 1017 Cholas from South India sacked Anuradhapura and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa as Anuradhapura became covered in jungle.
Partly Cleared since the 19th century CE this UNESCO Heritage Site’s buildings can be seen today.
Archaeology Study Unit 