Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes on the Greek island of Rhodes by Charles of Lidos between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Before its destruction, the Colossus of Rhodes stood over 30 meters (107 ft) high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world.

Ancient accounts, which differ to some degree, describe the structure as being built with iron tie bars to which brass plates were fixed to form the skin. The interior of the structure, which stood on a 15-meter- (50-foot-) high white marble pedestal near the Mandraki harbor entrance, was then filled with stone blocks as construction progressed. Other sources place the Colossus on a breakwater in the harbor. The statue itself was over 30 meters (107 ft) tall. Much of the iron and bronze was reforged from the various weapons Demetrius army left behind, and the abandoned second siege tower was used for scaffolding around the lower levels during construction. Upper portions were built with the use of a large earthen ramp. During the building, workers would pile mounds of dirt on the sides of the colossus. Upon completion all of the dirt was removed and the colossus was left to stand alone. After twelve years, in 280 BC, the statue was completed. Preserved in Greek anthologies of poetry is what is believed to be the genuine dedication text for the Colossus.

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The purpose of the construction of the Colossus of Rhodes was to celebrate the victory in war against Demetrius army. The Rhodesians defended their homeland and the army of Demetrius was retreated as a result of that war. People of Rhodes sold all the equipment left by Demetrius in order to bear the construction expenses of Colossus.

The Colossus of Rhodes remained intact for 56-years only before it was brought down by a severe earthquake in 224BC. The earthquake broke it up and for about 800years the remains were left where it fell. It is said that in 654 AD, the Arab force under Muslim Caliph Muawiya h captured Rhodes and sold the relics of Colossus of Rhodes to a Jewish merchant.

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Though it can’t be seen today but we believe that people can really build such wonder with a real true purpose. It was consider as the ancient wonder but in today’s world people can build it by using modern equipment.

Source: en.wikipedia.org