For about 56 years, the Colossus stood tall — a symbol of courage and unity of the people of Rhodes. The magnificent statue was built in honor of Helios, the sun god. The event that led to the building of the Colossus occurred in 305 BC, more than 15 years after the death of Alexander the Great, the king of Macedonia. Antigonus, one of Alexander’s generals, was the ruler of Macedonia at the time. He was upset with Rhodes for befriending his enemy, Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt. Hence, he urged his son Demetrius to invade Rhodes.
Demetrius used all his might to enter the city walls. The Rhodians, however, fought back spiritedly. Finally, Demetrius abandoned his mission. Before moving on, Demetrius left several of his war machines behind. The Rhodians melted these weapons and used the bronze to build the Colossus.
