Trivia Question 1: What wonder stood 32m high in rhodes harbour?

One of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the ancient world, standing tall at an impressive height of 32 meters, was the Colossus of Rhodes. This magnificent statue was located in the harbor of Rhodes, an island in the eastern Aegean Sea.

The Colossus of Rhodes was a gigantic bronze statue of the Greek god Helios, the patron god of the island. It was erected in 280 BC to commemorate the successful defense of Rhodes against Demetrius Poliorcetes, a Macedonian general. This colossal statue was designed by the renowned sculptor Chares of Lindos and took 12 years to complete.

The statue was a true marvel of engineering and artistry. It depicted Helios standing with his legs apart, holding a torch in one hand and a spear in the other. The statue was so massive that ships could pass between the legs, symbolizing the city's dominance over the sea. It was a symbol of power, strength, and protection for the people of Rhodes.

Unfortunately, the Colossus of Rhodes stood for only 56 years. In 226 BC, an earthquake struck the island, causing significant damage to the statue. It is said that the statue snapped at the knees and fell into the harbor. The remains of the Colossus lay there for centuries until they were eventually sold as scrap metal by Arab invaders in the 7th century AD.

Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Colossus of Rhodes left a lasting impression on the world. Its immense size and grandeur made it one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, alongside other iconic structures such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Today, all that remains of this magnificent wonder are historical accounts, depictions on ancient coins and stamps, and artistic reconstructions. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Colossus of Rhodes lives on, as it continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.