The Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes, a massive piece of architecture in Greece, symbolized the unity of the people of Rhodes. It featured the statue of Helios, the Greek God and was constructed from 292 to 280 BC. The Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes, which stood tall at a height of 30 meters, making it the tallest statue and one of the Seven Wonders of ancient times, was believed to have been raised by Chares of Lindos at the island of Rhodes, Greece.
Location
There was a lot of controversy regarding the location of the Colossus of Rhodes. It was initially believed to be standing at the mouth of Mandraki harbor, one of the harbors in Rhodes. Studies were conducted and the most recent suggests that this structure may have been either set up towards the inland or the eastern headland of the harbor of Mandraki.
Shape
The true and original look of the Colossus is unknown. Over the years there have been many attempts to draw what could have possibly Colossus looked like. The most recent drawing of it shows the statue standing in an upright position. The Colossus of Rhodes has been an inspiration for the modern artists. Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor was inspired by this structure to create the Statue of Liberty located in the New York City. The Statue of Liberty and Colossus of Rhodes are of the same height. However, the former seems taller owing to a tall pedestal and the lady's arm which is outstretched, holding the torch.
History
Construction
History of the Colossal of Rhodes has reference to the seige of Rhodes. In 305 BC, Alexander the Great's successor, Demetrios Poliorketes faced defeat by the Rhodians. Demetrios who started constructing many siege towers, had to abandon them after his defeat. To celebrate their victory, the people of Rhodes decided to construct a statue of Helios, their favorite god. Chares of Lindos an aboriginal of Lindos and student of Lysippos, was entrusted with this task. It took him approximately 12 years, from 304 BC to 292 BC to complete building it.
Destruction
In 226 BC, there was a terrible earthquake which brought about tremendous damage and destruction to the land of Rhodes. The structure of Colossus broke off from the knee. Ptolemy III Eurgetes of Egypt offered to reconstruct it, but his offer was rejected by an oracle. In 654 AD, when Rhodes was occupied by the Arabs, they collected parts of the Colossus and sold to a Syrian Jew, who got them transported on camels backs. About 900 camels were used for this purpose. The history of the Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes, is delightful to read through. Though the structure exists no more, it is still used as a point of reference on several occasions. For instance, Sergio Leone's 1960 film “II Colosso di Rodi” shows the Colossus standing with his legs spread at the mouth of the harbor of Rhodes.
travel.mapsofworld.com offers online information on Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes
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