Walk in The Footsteps of Gods: A Mythological Guide to Rhodes

Mythology

The island of Rhodes is related to several myths, some of them stated in the ancient writers and others surviving in the local tradition. Most of them present a version of the creation of the island. One of the most popular myths in antiquity has been preserved thanks to the poet Pindarus. According to this myth, when Zeus and the rest of the Olympian gods came to fight with the Titans and Giants, they decided to divide the world. 

When each had obtained their own part, they realised that they had forgotten the god Helios (Sun), who was absent during the division. Therefore, Zeus, the King of Gods made the decision to offer him the first land that would emerge from the waters.

It was then that the island of Rhodes emerged from the sea of the Aegean. Helios, stunned by the overwhelming beauty of the island, soon became the protector God of the island. As the myth suggests, it is due to this protection that Rhodes became the famous island we know during the Classical and Hellenistic periods.

Another myth suggests that the creation of Rhodes was the result of the love of Helios for the nymph Rhodes, the daughter of the God of the sea, Poseidon. As the myth states, when Helios saw Rhodes, he was so astounded by her beauty that he made her his wife. They had seven sons and one daughter, Alectrona, who died young. Kerkaphos, one of the sons of Helios and Rhodes, had three children: Kamiros, Ialysos and Lindos.

Rhodes was said to then be eventually inherited by three of their grandsons – Kameiros, Ialysos, and Lindos – whose father, Cercaphus, divided the island between them. Each built their own eponymous city, the ruins of which can be explored today on a Rhodes sightseeing trip. 

Although these myths are famous amongst locals, others believe that Rhodes was named after the rose, either due to the island being abundant in roses or because the ancient inhabitants likened its beauty to the flower itself.

Other myths include the Dragon of Rhodes. Legend has it that during the 1330s, there lived a dragon on the island that lived in cave near the hill that we know today as Monte Smith, known during ancient times as ‘Mal Paso’, which translates to ‘bad path’. After the death of the dragon, the path was restored as a ‘good path’ and renamed ‘Bel Paso’.

Inhabitants

Throughout the centuries, various people have inhabited Rhodes: Telchines, Carians, Phoenicians, Minoans and Dorians, having built the three major cities: Lindos, Kamiros and Ialyssos, who in 408 BC, created the city of Rhodes. The island has been a centre of economic and cultural exchange between people throughout the ages. Its strategic position brought great wealth to the island and made the city of Rhodes one of the prominent cities of Ancient Greece.

Must-see Spots

Past very much meets the present in this modern metropolis. With opportunities for visitors to explore the Medieval city, indulge in markets with traditional, fresh local produce, and take in the stunning architecture of the Old Town – it is safe to say that you will never find yourself short of wonders to indulge in.

Rhodes' Medieval City is one of the most beautiful Old Towns in the Mediterranean, making its protected status as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 no real surprise. Upon arrival, visitors will soon uncover a patchwork of historical periods, dominated by the Knights Templar and the Ottoman Empire. With the arrival of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem arrived in 1310 AD, the Medieval City became enriched with Gothic and Renaissance elements. Palaces, towers, churches, archways, and cobbled streets await to charm visitors and paint Rhodes' exquisite cultural identity that it we recognise it for today.

One of the most well-known landmarks of Rhodes was the gigantic bronze that statue once stood at the entrance to Mandraki Harbour. Crafted in the likeness of Helios the Sun God, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The statue was built as a celebration after the year-long siege of Rhodes by Demetrios, successor to Alexander the Great, who was finally defeated in 305 BC. The triumphal statue took twelve years to build, from 292–280 BC, a task undertaken by the sculptor Chares of Lindos. However, the statue only stood for 54 years, after being damaged by a devastating earthquake in 226 BC. Though shattered, the Colossus of Rhodes remained a source of wonder and admiration for centuries as it lies on the ground. 

For those seeking spectacular views by the water, you can also enjoy a stroll in the picturesque marina of Mandraki, where yachts set against the backdrop of the castle walls make for an unforgettable image. When entering the harbour entrance, visitors will find statues of a stag and doe stand in the supposed footsteps of the Colossus. 

Other notable monuments include the Statue of Diagoras, which commemorates the victories of Diagoras, an ancient Greek boxer from the 5th century BC, alongside his boxing sons and grandsons. Diagoras was the son of Damaget, the King, and a maternal relative of the Messinian hero Aristomenes. He won twice in boxing at the Olympic games, four times at Isthmian, twice at Nemea, and most likely one time at the Pythian games. 

Following the coastal line further, you will find the Aquarium of Rhodes, the most important scientific centre for the study of marine life in Greece. You can also browse the Municipal Gallery, the second largest gallery in Greece after that of Athens and the Gallery of Modern Greek Art, the Nestorideio Melathro in Ekato Chourmadies.

However, no trip to Rhodes is complete without spending the day at the world-renowned Lindos Village and the Acropolis. Here, a labyrinth of chalky white buildings rest at the foot of this breath-taking historical landmark.

This quaint, romantic village, known for alluring couples and soon-to-be-newly-weds from around the globe, is alive with a rich history and naval tradition. There are plenty of sights to take in, including the temple of Lindia Athena, the headquarters of the Knights, the church of Agios Ioannis and the port of Agios Pavlos.

You can also visit the great Captain Houses, encompassed by their ancient courtyards with pebble mosaics, wooden painted ceilings and stunning Lindian dishes scattered across the walls. Lindos is brimming with charming souvenir shops and tucked-away cobbled streets with restaurants and bars that remain full of life well into the night.

It is also known for one of its most famous inhabitants, one of the seven wise men of ancient times, Kleovoulos, also known as ‘Cleobulus’. Kleovoulos lived in Lindos during 6th century BC, and was well-respected by his peers for composing poems, lyrics, and songs. “Pen metron ariston”, which means “best is what is used reasonably”, to this day remains a notable phrase. Visitors can pay their respects at his grave at the northern headland of Lindos bay, sometimes called the "Tomb of Cleobulus". An asteroid, 4503 Cleobulus, discovered in 1989, was also named in honour of him.

Grecian Tradition

Goldsmithing and silversmithing is an ancient tradition within the island, although some in recent years have considered it to be a dying art, with many jewellers there today descending from a long line of goldsmiths.

Some specialise in silversmithing and covering icons with silver in churches or crafting different handmade items with filigree and jewels. Greek goldsmiths and artisans inherited their techniques from Egypt and Mesopotamia; however, they managed to create and develop a unique style.

After the arrival of metallurgy, the Greeks began to create increasingly complex designs to reflect and represent the wealth and power of Greek nobility. Gold became the primary decorative material, although silver, lead, bronze, and electrum were also used.

Skilled artisans worked the gold in thin leaves, combining it with precious and semi-precious stones, such as amethysts, pearls, carnelians, garnets, and emeralds, to create beautifully modelled necklaces, pendants, rings, and earrings. The sale of furs and leathers is also a tradition that is still treasured and kept alive today.

If you’re in search of a perfect destination that is rich in history and culture, look no further than Rhodes. Explore the island’s ancient settlements, and take in the natural beauty and magic of the Island of the Sun.