Dhatusena vs Kavadh I

Dhatusena restored the Mahavihara, the main Buddhist monastery in Anuradhapura, which had been damaged during the reign of Mahasena. This act reaffirmed his support for Theravada Buddhism.

Dhatusena constructed the Kalawewa tank, a massive irrigation reservoir in the North Central Province. The tank, with a circumference of over 30 miles, was a major engineering feat and provided water for extensive rice cultivation.

Dhatusena built the Yoda Ela, a 54-mile-long canal that connected the Kalawewa tank to the Tissa Wewa tank in Anuradhapura. This canal ensured a reliable water supply to the capital and surrounding farmlands.

Dhatusena was assassinated by his son Kashyapa, who seized the throne. Kashyapa had Dhatusena walled up alive after the king refused to reveal the location of hidden treasure.

Kavadh I supported the Mazdakite movement, which advocated for communal property, wealth redistribution, and social equality. He implemented reforms that reduced the power of the nobility and the Zoroastrian clergy, causing widespread upheaval.

The Sassanid nobility and Zoroastrian clergy, opposed to Kavadh's Mazdakite policies, deposed him and imprisoned him in the Castle of Oblivion. His brother Zamasp was placed on the throne.

Kavadh I escaped from prison and fled to the Hephthalite Empire. With their military support, he returned to Persia and regained the throne, overthrowing his brother Zamasp. This restored his rule but increased Hephthalite influence.

Kavadh I initiated a war against the Byzantine Empire, demanding tribute. He captured the city of Amida after a long siege. The war ended in 506 with a peace treaty that left the border largely unchanged.

Near the end of his reign, Kavadh I turned against the Mazdakite movement he had once supported. He allowed his son Khosrow I to carry out a massacre of Mazdakite leaders, ending the reform movement and restoring traditional order.