Discount Hotels Rhodes
Historical interest: Rhodes
    
No island has a longer history or has been more fought over than Rhodes. In Greek
mythology the sun god Helios wedded Rhodes; their grandsons were called Camiros,
Ialysos and Lindos and founded the island's cities of these names.
During the reign of Alexander the Great, Rhodes fell under the rule of Macedonia.
With the decline and fragmentation of the Macedonian Empire, Rhodes fought free
and after a long siege, it finally triumphed in 305 BC.
Legend has it that the remains of the siege machinery were used to build the
Colossus of Rhodes - the giant figure which is said to have straddled the harbour
and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
For 150 years, the island flourished; it was at this time that the islanders
first established their reputation for maritime skill and navigation. After
over 300 years of Roman rule, Rhodes became part of the Byzantine Empire.
Ownership of Rhodes was then contested between the Turks, the Persians and
the Saracens, who all appreciated the strategic importance of the island. They
were followed by the Venetians and then the Genovese, until they were ousted
by the Knights of St John who fortified the city and left an indelible imprint
on the island. After a long siege, they too, were ousted by the Ottomans in
1523.
Then followed a long period of Ottoman rule and, despite the Greek War of Independence,
Rhodes remained part of the Ottoman Empire until 1912 when it was taken over
by Italy. When the Italians capitulated to the allies in 1943, the island was
taken by the Germans, only to fall again to the British who held it until 1948
when the Dodecanese were integrated into Greece.
Today, Rhodes town combines the cosmopolitan character of a contemporary city
with the picturesque façade of a medieval town, and Rhodes island is
a popular destination for visitors the world over.
http://www.travel-rhodes.com/
Selection of hotels in this region:
Alexia Hotel | | Luca Faliraki | | Miramare Wonderland | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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