The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive statue built in the ancient Greek city of Rhodes around 292–280 BCE. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and stood as a symbol of the city’s triumph.
### Key Points in its History:
1. **Historical Context**: After successfully defending Rhodes from a siege by Demetrius I of Macedon in 305 BCE, the Rhodians decided to commemorate their victory by building a gigantic statue of their sun god, **Helios**, who was the patron deity of the island.
2. **Construction**: The statue was designed by the sculptor **Chares of Lindos**. It was made of bronze and stood approximately 33 meters (108 feet) high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world. The bronze plates were reinforced with iron, and the interior was filled with stone to give it stability.
3. **Appearance**: Though no exact images or descriptions survive, it is believed that the Colossus stood either at the entrance of the harbor with one leg on each side, or possibly on a single platform near the harbor, holding a torch or shield.
4. **Destruction**: The Colossus stood for about 54 years before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BCE. The statue broke at the knees and fell. Although the Rhodians were offered help to rebuild it, they chose not to, believing it was a sign from the gods.
5. **Aftermath**: For centuries, the remains of the Colossus lay on the ground and became a tourist attraction. According to reports, even broken, the statue was so impressive that people traveled to see its massive ruins. In 653 CE, Arab forces who had conquered Rhodes allegedly sold the statue's bronze remains as scrap metal.
The Colossus of Rhodes remains a powerful symbol of resilience and ancient engineering, even though it stood for only a brief period.