1) The Colossus of Rhodes was a 110-foot tall bronze statue built in ancient Rhodes to honor the god Helios for helping the people defeat an invading army. 2) It stood at the entrance to the harbor for 56 years until it was toppled by an earthquake. Some pieces remained on the island while others fell into the harbor. 3) Later Arab traders removed what was left of the statue to sell as scrap metal, taking 900 camels to transport the pieces. Though the statue itself is gone, it inspired the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

1. The Colossus of Rhodes Written by Lin Donn Illustrated by Phillip Martin

2. The Colossus of Rhodes

3. The Seven Wonders Selected by the Ancient Greeks When the ancient Greeks decided to select seven wonders from the many impressive structures that had been constructed throughout history, there was a lot of argument about which structures to select. Over the years, many different lists were created. Finally, a list was presented that most Greeks agreed included the seven most wondrous wonders, each a unique achievement.

4. The Colossus of Rhodes Rhodes is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Once, it was part of ancient Greece. Alexander the Great conquered Rhodes. When Alexander died, his generals fought for control of the island. Rhodes was perfectly situated to be a crossroads of trade.

5. The Colossus of Rhodes The people of Rhodes did support one of the generals. But that general won control of Egypt. Another general gained control of Rhodes. To punish the people for not supporting him , he sent his son to level Rhodes. Help arrived from Egypt! The general they had supported sent troops from Egypt to help the people of Rhodes drive the son away.

6. The Colossus of Rhodes With Egypt’s help, the people won! With joy, they melted down the bronze armor and war machinery left behind by the son, and used it to build a giant statue of their patron god Helios, to thank Helios for helping them save their city. The statue was 110 feet high and stood on a 50 foot base. Each morning, the sun glittered off the bronze plates that covered the statue. It was quite a sight!

7. The Colossus of Rhodes Only 56 years after the statue was built, it was toppled by an earthquake. Many pieces fell into the harbor. Some pieces remained on land, including the statue’s thumb. People traveled great distances to see the huge thumb. They tried to put their arms around it. The thumb was bigger than their arms could stretch.

8. The Colossus of Rhodes The king of Egypt offered money to rebuild the statue. But the people of Rhodes said no. They believed their god Helios was unhappy with the statue, and had tossed it down in a fit of anger. They left it alone. Many years later, around 600 CE, Arab traders finally removed the remains of the Colossus to use as scrap metal. Legend says ... it took 900 camels to ferry the pieces home.

9. The Colossus of Rhodes Although the Colossus is no longer in existence, another famous work of art, inspired by the Colossus, is still standing. It is called The Statue of Liberty!

10. The Colossus of Rhodes To learn more, see these sites: Sunken Treasure, Rhodes The Colossus The Colossus Games & Activities

11. Visit the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Great Pyramid at Giza Hanging Gardens of Babylon Statue of Zeus at Olympia Temple of Artemis at Ephesus Mausoleum at Halicarnassus Colossus of Rhodes Lighthouse at Alexandria

12. Help yourself to FREE Clip Art & Templates Free Seven Wonders Clip Art Free Templates

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