The first settlers of the island came from Asia and some evidence of a Mycenaean settlement has been found. The Dorians were the next settlers. In 500 BC Rhodes was already a strong power.
There were also many temples and structures such as the acropolis of Rhodes built in this time period.
After the naval Battle of Salamis and the defeat of the Persians, the island became a part of the Delian League, an organisation of which Athens was the leader. |
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Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was constructed and straddled the harbour; this impressive giant statue was demolished during an earthquake.
During 150 years the island flourished and showed its great navigation and maritime skills, establishing its reputation as one of the best in these domains.
In 70 AD, Rhodes fell under Roman rule which lasted for three hundred years.
Then, it became part of the Byzantine Empire. |
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Then the Venetians and the Genovese took the island, followed by the Knights of Saint John who fortified the City of Rhodes with citadels, castles, and built the Palace of the Grand Masters, leaving their mark on the island.
Many Castles were also built in the countryside, such as the Castle of Monolithos.
In 1523, after a long siege, the Ottomans took control of the island, who remained until 1912.
During the First World War, Rhodes was taken by the Italians till 1943.
The Italians contributed in the development of the island, with the renovation of important sites and the construction of nice buildings, such as the National Theatre.
In 1947, Rhodes and all Dodecanese islands became part of the Greek State. |
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