The Colossus of Rhodes: Some Observations about Its Location

• Main Author: Robert B. Kebric
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Athens Institute for Education and Research 2019-04-01
• Series: Athens Journal of History
• Online Access: https://www.athensjournals.gr/history/2019-5-2-1-Kebric.pdf

This is the first of several interrelated articles on the Colossus of Rhodes submitted to ATINER journals (Kebric 2019a, 2019b). No literary or archaeological evidence exists to demonstrate the configuration or the precise location of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The result has been a variety of recreations over the years, the most enduring placing it high above Rhodes harbor, its legs straddling the entrance. A variety of practical reasons entirely eliminates that possibility, and in this investigation, dealing specifically with its location, the best site for the Colossus was with the other most sacred Rhodian temples and shrines on the highest point of the city’s acropolis, on what today is known as Monte Smith. There, it could also most effectively serve one of the busiest harbors in the Mediterranean as a giant light tower for vessels approaching and leaving Rhodes. This study combines relevant ancient literary evidence about the Colossus with observations about humans’ most primitive instincts and beliefs concerning their geographical surroundings, their understanding of the movement of heavenly bodies-- most particularly at Rhodes that of its patron deity, Helios, god of the sun-- and other salient contributing factors to reach the most compelling conclusion about the Colossus’ location. The latter include geological considerations which were necessary to support the weight of such a huge statue, about 160 feet tall including its pedestal. The apex of Monte Smith is also where the subservient Rhodians would later raise a second, smaller colossal statue in honor of the people of Rome. Numerous photographs and maps complement the study, a presentation at ATINER’S 12th Annual International Conference on Mediterranean Studies (April 15-18, 2019).