The Mystery of Lion's Rock: An Ancient Fortress in the Sky

Rising dramatically from the emerald foliage of Sri Lanka and crowned by ancient ruins, this is the colossal monolith of Sigiriya, the ancient sky city. It's an achievement of human construction that seems almost too impressive to be believed.

The monumental architecture far exceeds the presumed capabilities of the time, sparking rumors, myths, and numerous theories about its construction—some even speculating on the involvement of mystical powers.

Built in the 5th century AD under the reign of King Kashyapa, this magnificent fortress is adorned with exquisite frescoes that provide insights into bygone eras, while its mysterious Mirror Wall, once polished to a gleam, holds centuries-old verses written by the many visitors it mesmerized.

Though Sigiriya's grandeur is evident, the methods behind its creation remain shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that a great king constructed this palace in the sky after a power struggle and patricide, seeking a fortress impenetrable to his avenging brother.

The labyrinthine water gardens, stone staircases, and advanced hydraulic systems point to a society well ahead of its time. Yet, for all its innovation, the city was abandoned soon after the king's death and reclaimed by nature, its stories waiting to be uncovered…

[Dominic]

I am a Sri Lankan, and as a person who studied the history to this place, and as a person who has been to Sigiriya multiple times, this is a good video.

[tolson]

On my first Western Pacific cruise with the US Navy, I read Authur C. Clark's The Fountains of Paradise. The opening chapter takes place at Sigiriya 1500 years ago. I was fascinated by his descriptions of the place. I hoped to see it someday. As fate would have it, on our return from the Persian Gulf, we learned that our ship, the USS Constellation, would be stopping in Columbo, Sri Lanka. I rushed to the special services office and there it was, a tour to Sigiriya. Two of my shop mates and I signed up. It was amazing. I hope to return someday because this was in 1979, before they put in the stairs, and it was just too risky to me. I didn't make it to the top. In some or the pictures you can see the carved-out footholds under the current stairs. One misplaced foot, and you are dead.

[Fevebblefester]

I had never heard of this city before. How very interesting. Thanks for spotlighting it.

[KingShaf]

I haven’t been to many architectural ancient places but this is one I did go to 15 years ago.

Whilst at the top of the rock, contemplating exactly how it was constructed in the middle of nowhere and all those centuries ago, blows the mind. We were there until sunset and it was definitely a profound experience that left a lasting impression that the past was not as we have been led to believe

[alanshaw]

An absolutely fascinating place to visit. I spent an afternoon there on a recent trip to Sri Lanka and it was no where near long enough. One of the, must visit, places on this planet.

[raymondanderson]

The evidence is so overwhelming that our ancient ancestors were far, far more advanced than modern scientists are giving them credit for. The ancient stone work from around the world is undeniable proof of this.

[tommacegan]

So glad you made this channel. I love this stuff.

[csam]

Ancient Sri Lankans were masters of hydrology, there are many man made lakes and irrigation systems throughout the country that modern thinking cannot quite comprehend. Also there are other sites around the country that have ancient artifacts that look to be cut with laser precision and smoothness. Lions Rock is the most popular of these sites. Who knows what else lurks underneath the foliage.

[Joseph-zsb]

This channel is the only way that I will ever be able to see & learn about remarkable places like this. The rest of the world is so much older & mysterious than the America that I am stranded in. Thanks.

[thomasgumersell]

Truly a marvel of construction and engineering. The fact this was built by hand withoút the use of machinery. That is truly a remarkable achievement for it's time. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨

[crystafletcher]

I like the original intro still.. you get the full effect of the sound.
You’re video is an good as always😊

[fpfp]

Thank you for a glimpse of this remarkable place

[McPh]

0:38- Dang! Ancient Sri Lankan women were stacked!

[davidc]

Wow such a great video about this amazing place. Thanks for sharing.

[DiscGoStu]

If the king was so unpopular that he needed to build this fortress to survive, how did he find a workforce willing to build it for him?

[mattgonzales]

what an amazingly beautiful location & construction ♡♡

[TomasErikssonErnt]

This is one of your best videos! Very interesting!

[dand]

There was already a comprehensively developed infrastructure of pools, structures, and access points, etc., on this rock, some of which were already perhaps even thousands of years old, and this last person to do major renovations is simply considered the sponsor of all that is there now.

[andrestrishak]

This video, and this channel is impossible not to love. Excellent job, the narrator is superb, subject matter is always compelling. Thank you so much!

[christopherkelly]

Stunning. Like many places. Machu Pichu, Ankor Watt....we have certainly built some intriguing things in our history.