STATUE OF RHODES

It is said that in the 3rd century BC, the commander Demetrius attacked the island of Rhodes, but was unable to capture the island. In honor of the successful defense of the island, the inhabitants of Rhodes decided to put the largest statue in the world on the island.

 

The construction of the monument was entrusted to Chares, a student of Lysippos, a famous sculptor of antiquity. Hares created the monument in 12 years.

 

A 36-meter bronze statue, installed in the market square between the sea and the city gates, depicted a young man. His strong legs were slightly apart, and his right hand was pressed to his eyes. On his head was a crown symbolizing the rays of the sun. People considered him their protector.

 

As a result of an earthquake in 225 BC. the giant of Rhodes had broken legs. The statue falls into the sea and remains in this position on the shore for about 1000 years. According to the historian Strabo, the Rhodesians did not raise him on the advice of the "caretaker". After capturing the island in 653, the Arab commander sold the giant to a Jew.

 

The statue is then sold in parts. Ancient manuscripts indicate that 900 camels were used to transport the bronze from which the statue was made.