The Colossus of Rhodes

Location: At the entrance of the harbor of the Mediterranean island of Rhodes in Greece.

Description: Some people believe the statue straddled the entrance to the harbor, however because of its colossal size it is more likely it stood in the city overlooking the harbor (see image below).

   The project was commissioned by the Rhodian sculptor Chares of Lindos. To build the statue, his workers cast the outer bronze skin parts. The base was made of white marble, and the feet and ankle of the statue were first fixed. The structure was gradually erected as the bronze form was fortified with an iron and stone framework. To reach the higher parts, an earth ramp was built around the statue and was later removed. When the colossus was finished, it stood about 33 m (110 ft) high. The crown of sun rays around Helios' head symbolized his role as sun god.

Information: After successfully defending their island against invasion in 304BC, the people of Rhodes built an enormous statue of Helios at the entrance to their harbor to thank their god for protecting them.

   Unfortunately, only 65 years after the wonder had been erected, an earthquake brought it tumbling down to the ground.

   Today, divers still search the surrounding waters of Rhodes looking for pieces of the majestic statue.