The Colossus of Rhodes: Seven Ancient Wonders of the World
After a failed conquest by the Cypriots, people from a neighboring Greek island, the inhabitants of Rhodes built a memorial to their patron god, Helios. The project began as a way to honor Helios with a bronze statue, however, as the project progressed, the statue became bigger and bigger, and slowly became one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world.
The construction of the Colossus of Rhodes, the statue dedicated to Helios, was started in 292 B.C. by Chares, the Greek sculptor. The ancient wonder consisted of bronze and iron from old war materials on the island of Rhodes. The finished memorial stood at 157 feet, watching over the Mandraki Harbor.
The statue gained a great deal of attention and had frequent visitors from around the ancient world.
It stood over the harbor for over 50 years, until a horrible earthquake occurred in 226 B.C. The Colossus of Rhodes snapped at its knees and fell onto the shore of the harbor. Even with the statue’s partial destruction, countless people came to witness its architectural magnificence. It was left as it had fallen for about 800 years.
The people of Rhodes had considered rebuilding the statue, but they feared that the earthquake was an omen. They assumed that the statue had offended Helios in some way, and if they were to rebuild it, more destruction would be caused.
Centuries later, in 693, a Muslim caliph named Muawiyah I captured the island and stole the Colossus of Rhodes for materials. He melted the iron and bronze and sold the goods to merchants.
The Colossus of Rhodes may have still been lying on the bank of the Mandraki Harbor if Muawiyah I understood its significance. Thousands of years later, its impact can be seen in popular culture, most recently in the “Titan of Braavos” statue in Game of Thrones.
Bibliography:
A statue in Game of Thrones inspired by a wonder of the ancient world
The Colossus Of Rhodes: What Happened To This Ancient Wonder?