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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

RHODES: a strong island


According to Homer, the first colonists were Greek. They founded the city of Rhodes at the northern tip of the island and built a powerful citadel to protect it.


In its day of greatest power, Rhodes became famous for its impressive sculptures, like the huge bronze Colossus which stood at the entrance of the harbor. Created to honor, the sun god Helios, it was at least 110 feet high and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately, the Colossus only stood for 56 years before an earthquake toppled it in 224B.C. but the enormous fragments remained half-submerged for another nine centuries. A scrap dealer carried the pieces away on 900 camels.


The most glorious episode in Rhodes history began in 1309 when the Knights of St.John took control after being expelled from the Holy Land following the Crusades. They built the St.John's Chapel and the St.Mary's Church.





One of the tunnels that allowed the Knights to secretely escape.


They settled in Rhodes and increased the fortifications. The ramparts are impressive, several feet high. A moat circled and protected the city when the drawbridge was raised.


After Constantinople was captured by the Turks. Repeated sieges of Rhodes by the Turks weakened the city. At the end only 180 Knights remained to defend Rhodes.

They were expelled to Malta and Rhodes became Turkish property.


The Italian navy seized Rhodes in 1912 and it was turned over to Greece in 1948.


The famous movie of Guns of Navarone was filmed in Rhodes.




If you like to travel and love to read, come and enjoy my international romances. I will take you around the world through stories that simmer with emotion and sizzle with heat. Meet the spirited heroines and the alpha heroes who share irresistible chemistry.

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14 comments:

Molly Daniels said...

Beautiful pictures! Looks like the weather was gorgeous:)

Unknown said...

MONA--I envy you your travels. We've traveled quite a bit, but haven't for a year, now. Maybe somewhere soon. Your photos are outstanding! And the little history lesson is great. Celia

Mary Ricksen said...

Yes Mona your books take me where I will never be able to go. You tell me stories that take me out of my funks and put me in the arms of a handsome hero.
Thanks for the pictures!

Cate Masters said...

I'm with Celia, Mona - your travels make me drool! Great photos. Greece has such spectacular scenery. Thanks for sharing.

P.L. Parker said...

Mona, I so envy you. My big out of the country adventure was the island of Victoria. I have to live through other eyes.

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Mona,

What gorgeous pictures, the sky and the sea are such a dazzling blue. I'd love to go there one day. thank you so much for sharing your travel experiences.

Mona Risk said...

Celia, there are so many beautiful places around the world. I love to swee them and appreciate them

Mona Risk said...

Mary, stay tune. Next we are stopping in Dubrovnik.

Mona Risk said...

Cate, Greece is gorgeous. I am so proud of my Greek heritage. But there are other wonderful places too.

Mona Risk said...

PL I went to Victoria. It's such a lovely place.

Mona Risk said...

Margaret, I can't live without looking at the sea or the ocean. I guess it must be in my genes. LOL

Sandra Cox said...

The pics are absolutely beautiful. What a stunning place and all that history.

Barbara Monajem said...

Somehow I missed this blog earlier. Rhodes is amazing!

Judith Keim said...

Gorgeous pictures and lots of neat facts. I've never been there so am doubly happy you shared.