Ceylon

The most decorative colonial period map of Sri Lanka, with inset views, from top right: Lake of Kandy, Adams Peak from the Lake of Colombo, Colombo, Temple of Buddha Kandy, Ruins of Dagoda at Toopharamata.

In ancient times Greek geographers called the island Taprobane, the Arabs referred to it as Serendib whist the Portuguese named it Ceilao, which in turn was termed Ceylon by the English. Ceylon’s position on the main sea routes to and from the east was always a coveted target for the major maritime powers trading enterprises.

From: Tallis, The Illustrated Atlas.

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