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Colossus of Rhodes statue
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Colossus of Rhodes statue
Colossus of Rhodes. Historical artwork showing the vast bronze statue of the Greek sun god Helios (later identified with Apollo, the god of light), at the entrance of the harbour at Rhodes, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. The statue, standing 33 metres tall, was completed in 282 BC and stood for only 56 years before being destroyed in an earthquake. Even the broken remains were so impressive that people travelled from afar to see them. They remained in Rhodes for around 800 years until the Saracens invaded and sold them, supposedly transporting them to Alexandria on the backs of 900 camels. This engraving is from Maerten van Heemskercks 16th century book Seven Wonders of the World, and reproduced in The Picture Magazine, 1894
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Media ID 6438779
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1500s 16th Century 1894 Ancient Greece Antiquity Apollo Architecture Brass Bronze Building Technology Classical Deity Greece Harbour Mythology Port Rhodes Statue Aegean Colossus Of Rhodes Greek God Helios Seven Wonders Of The World Sun God The Picture Magazine
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This print showcases the awe-inspiring Colossus of Rhodes, a monumental bronze statue that once stood proudly at the entrance of the harbour in Rhodes, Greece. Depicting Helios, the Greek sun god associated with light and later identified as Apollo, this historical artwork is a testament to ancient Greek mythology and classical artistry. Standing an impressive 33 meters tall, the Colossus was completed in 282 BC but tragically endured only 56 years before succumbing to an earthquake. Despite its destruction, even its broken remains left spectators astounded. People from far and wide made pilgrimages to witness this marvel firsthand. For nearly eight centuries, these remnants remained on Rhodes until they were sold by invading Saracens. Legend has it that they were transported to Alexandria atop the backs of an astonishing 900 camels. The engraving featured in this print originates from Maerten van Heemskerck's renowned book "Seven Wonders of the World" published during the 16th century. The image captures not only the grandeur of this ancient wonder but also serves as a reminder of human ingenuity and architectural prowess prevalent during antiquity. It stands as a symbol of both Greek history and European heritage while offering us a glimpse into one of mankind's most remarkable achievements - truly deserving its place among wonders of the ancient world.
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