Introduction
The Colossus of Rhodes was a gigantic statue of the Greek god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes, Greece, in 280 BC. It was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but unfortunately it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC. In this article, we will learn more about the Colossus of Rhodes and its interesting facts that kids would love to know.
Size and Description
The Colossus of Rhodes was an enormous statue that stood over 100 feet tall. It was made of bronze and iron, and was built over a period of twelve years. The statue depicted Helios, the Greek god of the sun, holding a torch in one hand and a spear in the other. The statue was so large that ships could sail between its legs.
The Construction
The construction of the Colossus of Rhodes began in 292 BC, and it was completed in 280 BC. It was built by the sculptor Chares of Lindos, who used iron bars to support the bronze plates that formed the skin of the statue. The statue was hollow, and the interior was filled with stone blocks to provide stability. The statue was erected on a stone pedestal near the harbor of Rhodes.
The Destruction
In 226 BC, a massive earthquake struck Rhodes and the Colossus of Rhodes was toppled. According to some accounts, it remained in place for over 800 years, until the Arabs invaded Rhodes in the 7th century AD and sold the remains for scrap metal.
The Legend of the Sun God
The Colossus of Rhodes was built to honor the Greek god Helios, and it was said that the statue was so large that it could be seen from miles away. According to legend, when the statue was completed, Helios himself came down from the heavens to bless it with his presence.
The Symbol of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes was not only a magnificent statue, but also a symbol of the city of Rhodes. It was said that the statue was built to celebrate the city's victory over the invading forces of the ruler of Cyprus. Today, the city of Rhodes still uses the image of the Colossus in its coat of arms.
The Inspiration for Other Statues
The Colossus of Rhodes was an inspiration for other large statues that followed. The most famous of these is the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, which was designed by Frederic Bartholdi and completed in 1886. Like the Colossus, the Statue of Liberty holds a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other.
The Myth of the Colossus Straddling the Harbor
Contrary to popular belief, the Colossus of Rhodes did not straddle the harbor of Rhodes. This myth may have come from a description by the ancient Greek historian Pliny the Elder, who wrote that the statue was "over the entrance of the harbor." However, the statue was actually located on a hill overlooking the harbor.
The Colossus was not Rebuilt
Despite popular belief, the Colossus of Rhodes was not rebuilt after it was destroyed. The cost of building such a massive statue was simply too high, and the city of Rhodes was facing other financial difficulties at the time. Instead, the remains of the statue were sold for scrap metal.
The Efforts to Rebuild the Colossus
Over the years, there have been many efforts to rebuild the Colossus of Rhodes. In the 1970s, a group of Italian architects proposed a plan to rebuild the statue using modern materials, but the plan was never realized. Today, there are no plans to rebuild the Colossus, but its legacy lives on through its influence on art and architecture.
The Location of the Colossus
The exact location of the Colossus of Rhodes is not known, but it is believed to have been located near the harbor of Rhodes. Today, there is a bronze statue of Helios located near the site where the Colossus once stood.
The Importance of the Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes was an important symbol of the ancient world, and it continues to inspire people today. Its size and beauty were awe-inspiring, and it served as a reminder of the power of the gods. Although it was destroyed long ago, its legacy lives on through its influence on art and architecture.
The Legacy of the Colossus
The Colossus of Rhodes may no longer exist, but its legacy lives on through its influence on art, literature, and popular culture. It has been the subject of countless books, movies, and TV shows, and it continues to inspire people today. Its sheer size and beauty continue to captivate the imagination, and it remains an important symbol of the ancient world.
Conclusion
The Colossus of Rhodes was a magnificent statue that stood over 100 feet tall and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, its legacy lives on through its influence on art and architecture. It continues to inspire people today, and it remains an important symbol of the ancient world.