Post #159

Wonder #6: The Colossus of Rhodes Imagine a statue as tall as a 15-story building, standing by the sea, greeting ships like a giant symbol of power and freedom. That’s the legendary Colossus of Rhodes — one of the most iconic wonders of the ancient world. Here’s what we know: Where: Rhodes, Greece When: Around 292–280 BC Height: About 33 meters (108 ft) Materials: Bronze and iron on the outside, stone on the inside Dedicated to: Helios, the Sun God Built by: Chares of Lindos, a student of the famous sculptor Lysippos Construction time: Over 12 years! Sadly, the Colossus stood for just 56 years. In 226 BC, a powerful earthquake knocked it down. When Arab forces later conquered Rhodes, they sold the bronze for scrap. Fun legend alert: Many old drawings show the Colossus straddling the harbor entrance with ships sailing between its legs. Cool image — but probably not true. Structurally, it wouldn’t have worked. Most likely, it stood beside the harbor, not over it. Still, what a sight it must’ve been!