Ancient Rhodes

Photo: Harbour at Rhodes, with castle in background

The Minoans, who also occupied Crete, were among the earliest known arrivals (circa 1600 BCE). They established trading stations on this Mediterranean island off the coast of Turkey.

The Mycenaeans came around 1500 BCE and established fortified settlements inland. Many artifacts from their occupation can be seen in the Rhodes Archeological Museum.

The Dorians arrived in Greece and nearby islands, including Rhodes, in the 10th century BCE. Their three cities, Ialysos, Lindos and Kameiros were prosperous commercial centres that even minted their own coins (Mediterranean cruise ports).

In 282 BCE, the Colossus of Rhodes was completed at the harbour entrance. This huge statue, a hundred feet tall, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Made of stone, iron and bronze, it took twelve years to build. Unfortunately, after standing for less than sixty years, it was broken at the knees and tumbled down by an earthquake.

The fallen remains lay for hundreds of years until an Arab invasion in 654 CE. When the statue was broken up for re-use, 900 camel loads of rubble had to be moved (Rhodes guide.)

Nobody knows exactly what the Colossus looked like, since it can only be pictured from verbal accounts of the time. Some believe it used to straddle the harbour entrance, but others disagree.

On thing that is not in dispute is the size. According to Citizen Pliny, the thumb was so large that few could wrap their arms around it (Harbour Lights).