The Colossus of Rhodes, Greece

The city of Rhodes was the largest economic and trade center in ancient times. For hundreds of years, this coastal place has remained a cause of incessant wars that involved all the rulers of neighboring states. The god Helios was considered the patron of the city. So, in 304 BC, after a successful rebuff of invaders, locals decided to erect a unique sculpture in honor of their patron.

The labor of the best sculptors of the antiquity resulted in the 36-meter statue of Helios. Masters have worked for 12 years to build it. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the most grandiose and majestic statues of the ancient world. However, the city was decorated with a statue for less than 50 years. A huge statue with bronze finish was severely damaged during the next earthquake and fell into the sea, where it was abandoned for nearly 1 000 years. In 997 year, it was decided to raise the statue. Then bronze melted down and was sold. According to historical documents, it was necessary to transport bronze by the caravan of 900 camels.

A few years ago, unique designs for restoration of an antique statue were presented to the world. In 2008, the most interesting project of the lighting installation was shown. In 2015, a group of engineers decided to erect a 150 meters high monument. According to the organizers of the project, a leisure complex will be located inside a huge statue. There's another interesting fact about the history of this ancient statue. It's suggested that one of the most famous sculptures of today, the Statue of Liberty, was created in the image of the Colossus of Rhodes. Next - Alexandria Lighthouse