Dhatusena vs King Wuling of Zhao

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.

King Wuling of Zhao ordered his army to adopt the clothing and archery techniques of the nomadic Hu (Xiongnu) peoples, including trousers and horseback archery. This military reform created a highly mobile cavalry force that gave Zhao a tactical advantage over rival states.

King Wuling abdicated the throne to his son, King Huiwen, but retained power as 'Lord Father' (Zhufu). This unusual arrangement was intended to allow him to focus on military campaigns, but it created a power struggle within the royal family.

King Wuling led a prolonged campaign to conquer the Zhongshan state, a non-Chinese kingdom located within Zhao's borders. The annexation of Zhongshan expanded Zhao's territory and population, strengthening its position among the Warring States.

During a succession conflict between his sons, King Wuling was trapped in the Shaqiu Palace by rebels loyal to his grandson. He was denied food and water for three months, eventually starving to death. His death ended Zhao's period of expansion.