Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the world, was built around 304 BC by Chares the Lindios (from Lindos), in honor of Apollo the god of the sun (Helios in Greek) and patron god of Rhodes. It stood one hundred feet tall and it was located at the entrance of Mandraki harbor. Made entirely of bronze, it was then used as a lighthouse. It symbolized the strength and wealth of the Rhodian people.

It is believed to have been destroyed in 226 BC by a powerful earthquake. Later the pieces, it is believed, to have been taken by the Egyptians.