Colossus of Rhodes

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Colossus of Rhodes was a monumental bronze statue of the sun god Helios, erected by the people of Rhodes after they withstood a year-long siege by Demetrius Poliorcetes in 305–304 BCE. Made by the sculptor Chares of Lindos and completed around 280 BCE, it is thought to have stood around thirty metres tall, built of bronze plates over an iron and stone framework and financed in part by the sale of abandoned siege equipment. The popular image of a figure straddling the harbour entrance is a medieval invention; ancient sources suggest a standing figure, but its exact position is unknown and may have been near the harbour or on higher ground. The statue lasted only about fifty-four years, collapsing in an earthquake around 226 BCE. The Rhodians chose not to rebuild it, and the fallen pieces were admired as a marvel for centuries until, according to later traditions, the metal was sold after an Arab conquest in the seventh century. No identified fragments survive. Today the harbour of Mandraki, with its two columns topped by deer and the fortress of St Nicholas, is the place most associated with the Colossus, and the photograph here shows that harbour, not the statue. Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rewards walking, with its Knights’ Palace and medieval streets, and the Archaeological Museum interprets the island’s history. Visit with the mystery in mind and enjoy the harbour light.