Ancient Ceylon: A Land Steeped in History The island nation of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, boasts a rich and vibrant history stretching back millennia. This descriptive note delves into the captivating story of Ancient Ceylon, exploring its earliest inhabitants, the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, the deep influence of religion, and the flourishing cultural tapestry that emerged. Early Inhabitants and the Dawn of Civilization (500 BC - 2nd Century BC) While shrouded in some mystery, archaeological evidence suggests that Sri Lanka's earliest inhabitants were indigenous communities known as the Veddas. Living a semi-nomadic life, they possessed a deep connection to the island's natural environment. Around 500 BC, Indo-Aryan settlers from North India began migrating to Ceylon, bringing with them their language, customs, and advanced agricultural practices. This marked the dawn of civilization on the island, with the establishment of kingdoms and the developm