Rhodes history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Rhodes dates back to 408 BC. The uniqueness of its origin lies in the fact that it was created artificially through a process known as synoecism. Residents of the island's three ancient and powerful city-states—Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos—made a strategic decision to unite and found a new common capital at the northern tip of the island to strengthen their influence in the region.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid rise of Rhodes was driven by a combination of several important circumstances that transformed it into a dominant force of the ancient world:

• Geographic Advantage: The city was situated at the intersection of vital maritime routes connecting the Aegean Sea with the coasts of Asia Minor, Cyprus, and Egypt.
• Trade Hegemony: Rhodes quickly became a major transit hub for the trade of grain, wine, and olive oil, which provided the treasury with colossal revenues.
• Urban Planning: The city was designed by the famous architect Hippodamus of Miletus according to a strict regular system, with wide streets and thoughtful infrastructure, which was a cutting-edge solution for that time.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Economic prosperity allowed Rhodes to become a centre of art and science. It was here, funded by revenues from the successful defence of the city and trade, that the legendary Colossus of Rhodes was erected—a giant statue of the god Helios, recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city was also renowned for its school of rhetoric and sculpture, attracting students and masters from across the Mediterranean. A strong naval fleet guaranteed the safety of trade routes, securing Rhodes' status as the "Mistress of the Seas" of that era.

Major Milestones in the History of Rhodes

The eventful history of the city spans millennia, from its ancient prime to modern times.

• 408 BC — Residents of the island's three ancient city-states unite to found the city of Rhodes, which quickly becomes a vital commercial centre.
• 305–304 BC — The city withstands the famous siege by Demetrius Poliorcetes; in honour of this victory, the construction of the Colossus of Rhodes begins.
• 226 BC — A powerful earthquake destroys the giant statue of the Colossus and causes serious damage to the city's infrastructure.
• 42 BC — The Roman general Cassius captures and loots the city, marking the end of the era of political power for independent Rhodes.
• 395 AD — Following the division of the Roman Empire, the island becomes part of Byzantium, retaining its status as a strategic seaport.
• 1309 — The Knights Hospitaller of the Order of Saint John purchase the island and transform the city into an impregnable fortress, erecting massive walls and the Palace of the Grand Master.
• 1522 — After a six-month siege by the forces of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the knights capitulate, and the city passes under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries.
• 1912 — During the Italo-Turkish War, Italian troops occupy the island, initiating a large-scale programme for the restoration of historical monuments.
• 1943 — Following Italy's withdrawal from the war, German troops occupy the city, holding it until the end of World War II.
• 1945 — The island is liberated by British forces, and a temporary Allied administration is established.
• 1948 — The official and ceremonial reunification of Rhodes and the entire Dodecanese archipelago with Greece takes place.
• 1988 — The Medieval City of Rhodes is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as an outstanding example of defensive architecture.

Key Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The appearance of Rhodes is a unique mosaic composed of the heritage of different civilisations. Each era brought radical changes to the architecture, economy, and way of life of the city. Below are the main milestones that formed its modern look.

• Implementation of the Hippodamian System (Antiquity)
  The city was originally built according to a regular plan by the architect Hippodamus, which was revolutionary for its time. A clear grid of streets, zoning for residential, commercial, and religious quarters, as well as the creation of an advanced water supply and sewage system, made ancient Rhodes a benchmark of urban planning. This laid the foundation for its development as the region's main trade hub.
• Transformation into an Impregnable Citadel (Era of the Knights, 1309–1522)
  The Knights Hospitaller radically changed the structure of the city, turning it from a Byzantine settlement into a powerful Western European fortress. Massive walls, a moat, and bastions were erected, considered masterpieces of military engineering. Inside the walls, the Collachium was formed—a quarter for the knights containing the Palace of the Grand Master, which introduced the Gothic architectural style to the city.
• Eastern Transformation (Ottoman Period, 1522–1912)
  With the arrival of the Ottomans, the city acquired an Eastern flair. Christian churches were converted into mosques, and minarets, public baths (hammams), and traditional bazaars appeared. Residential development also changed: wooden bay balconies appeared, hanging over narrow streets, making the urban environment more intimate and enclosed.
• Italian Rationalism and Restoration (1912–1943)
  The Italian administration implemented a large-scale master plan that divided Rhodes into historical and modern zones. Medieval monuments were restored (including a major reconstruction of the Palace of the Grand Master), and a "New City" was built in the Mandraki area. Court, post office, theatre, and market buildings in eclectic and rationalist styles still define the face of the administrative centre.
• Emergence as a Tourist Centre (since the 1960s)
  After reunification with Greece, the economic focus shifted from trade and military affairs to tourism. Active construction of hotel complexes began along the coast outside the historic walls. This turned Rhodes into a cosmopolitan resort where historical heritage became the main economic asset, attracting millions of travellers annually.

The Architectural Mosaic of Rhodes

The architectural appearance of the city of Rhodes is unique in that it has not only preserved traces of different eras but also harmoniously combined them into a unified urban space. Here, you can literally step from one century to another simply by turning a corner. The urban fabric is clearly divided into two parts: the Old City (medieval, within the fortress walls) and the New City (formed primarily in the first half of the 20th century).

Knightly Gothic and Fortification (14th–16th Centuries)

The most recognisable layer of the city is the heritage of the Knights Hospitaller. This is a rare example in Greece of Western European Gothic architecture adapted to Mediterranean conditions.

• Style: Late Gothic, military architecture. Buildings are austere, monumental, and built of warm sandstone. Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and coats of arms on facades are characteristic.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Palace of the Grand Master — The city's dominant feature, combining the traits of a fortress and a ruler's residence.
  • Street of the Knights (Ippoton) — A perfectly preserved ensemble of Gothic buildings where the residences of the Order's "tongues" (national groups) were located.
  • Fortress Walls — A masterpiece of bastion fortification encircling the old part of the city.

Ottoman Influence (16th–20th Centuries)

After the Ottoman conquest of the island, the Gothic appearance was complemented by Eastern elements, creating a picturesque eclecticism. Austere stone facades were enlivened by wooden structures, and the city's skyline was altered by minarets.

• Style: Ottoman architecture, vernacular building. Characteristic features include wooden enclosed balconies (sachnisi) overhanging the streets, domes of mosques, and public fountains.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Suleiman Mosque — With its pink walls and elegant minaret.
  • Library of Hafiz Ahmed Agha — An example of civic Ottoman construction.
  • Turkish Baths (Yeni Hamam) — A traditional complex with a domed roof.

Italian Rationalism and Eclecticism (1912–1943)

The Italian period radically transformed the Mandraki port area and the territory outside the fortress walls. Architects sought to demonstrate the grandeur of the new power, using bold stylistic solutions.

• Style: "Stone" eclecticism (a blend of Venetian Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles) and Rationalism. Buildings are distinguished by their scale and use of arches and colonnades.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Annunciation Cathedral (Evangelismos) — Built on the waterfront as a replica of the destroyed Church of St. John, but in a more lavish style.
  • Prefecture Building — A monumental structure reminiscent of Venetian palazzos.
  • National Theatre — An example of a modernist approach using elements of the International Style.
  • Grande Albergo delle Rose Hotel — A luxurious building combining Byzantine, Arab, and European motifs.

Ancient Traces

Although medieval development concealed many ancient layers, ancient Greek urban planning is still felt in the layout. The city retains the "Hippodamian grid"—a strict system of perpendicular streets established back in 408 BC. The ancient style (Hellenistic) is most vividly represented in the archaeological zone on Monte Smith hill, where ruins of the Temple of Apollo and an ancient stadium have been preserved.

Prominent Figures in the History of Rhodes

The rich past of Rhodes has been shaped by a galaxy of talented people—from ancient athletes and sculptors to medieval knights and 20th-century reformers. Here are the key figures who left an indelible mark on the city's chronicles.

• Diagoras of Rhodes (5th Century BC) — Legendary Athlete.
  One of the most renowned boxers of antiquity and a multiple winner of the Olympic Games. He became the progenitor of an entire dynasty of Olympic champions. He was revered as the embodiment of the island's honour and sporting glory; the modern airport of Rhodes is named after him.
• Chares of Lindos (3rd Century BC) — Sculptor and Engineer.
  A student of the great Lysippos, famous for creating the Colossus of Rhodes. He dedicated 12 years of his life to erecting the giant statue of the god Helios, which became one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of the city's independence.
• Hippodamus of Miletus (5th Century BC) — Architect and Urban Planner.
  Considered the author of the master plan for the city of Rhodes, founded in 408 BC. He applied the revolutionary "Hippodamian system"—a clear rectangular grid of streets with zoning, which formed the basis of the urban infrastructure and can still be traced today.
• Apollonius of Rhodes (3rd Century BC) — Poet and Philologist.
  Author of the famous epic poem "Argonautica" about Jason's journey for the Golden Fleece. He lived and worked in Rhodes for a long time, where he founded a school of rhetoric before heading the Library of Alexandria.
• Pierre d'Aubusson (1423–1503) — Grand Master of the Order of Hospitallers.
  An outstanding strategist and military engineer. He led the heroic defence of Rhodes during the first Ottoman siege in 1480. It was under him that the city walls were significantly strengthened and acquired their impregnable appearance.
• Suleiman I the Magnificent (1494–1566) — Ottoman Sultan.
  The conqueror who managed to capture the fortress of Rhodes in 1522 after a gruelling siege, ending the era of knightly rule. Under him, the city began to acquire Eastern features: mosques, hammams, and fountains were built, many of which have been preserved in the Old City.
• Mario Lago (1878–1950) — Italian Governor (1923–1936).
  A diplomat whose rule is called the "Golden Age" of Italian construction on the island. He initiated the large-scale restoration of medieval monuments and the creation of the architectural ensemble of the New City, including the Mandraki waterfront and the Hotel of Roses.