Rhodes has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. There’s evidence of Minoan settlers in the 15th century BC. Since then, because of the island’s strategically important position, waves of invaders from east and west have crisscrossed the island.
Rhodes gained independence from Macedonian rule in 305 BC, a period of prosperity during which the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built. This vast statue, of which you’ll see many miniature models today, straddled the harbor but was toppled by a massive earthquake.
Rhodes fell under Roman rule in 70 AD and later, the Byzantine Empire and many others. The settlers who made the most significant impact were the Knights of Saint John, who arrived in 1305 and stayed for 200 years, fortifying Rhodes Town with solid walls, castles, and palaces. Then, in 1523, the island fell under the control of the Ottomans, and after the First World War, Italy. The island became part of Greece in 1947.
You will find a warm welcome in Rhodes, where locals are proud of their rich history and magnificent medieval palaces. Greeks are typically hospitable by nature and will always make time to chat. Learning a few words of the language is both polite and appreciated.
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