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RHODES HISTORY

The island of Rhodes is found at the crossroad of three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is also found on the marine routes which connected West with Orient, since early antiquity. As a result of its important position, the island attracted various populations. It was influenced by several cultures during its long history. Every people who arrived at Rhodes, peacefully or after winning a war, in mass or in small groups, have left their traces on this beautiful island. Rhodes had always been and still is a place rich both in natural and human resources.

Archaeological surveys have shown that the island was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period. The mythological and ancient sources, but also the scientific research, state that the first residents of the island were the Carians, the Phoenicians and the Minoans, who came from Crete. Those latter were settled in the area of Ialyssos during the 15th-century B.C. and led the island to an outstanding cultural and economic flourishing. Following the destiny of Crete, Rhodes surrendered to the Mycenaean power and under the Achaeans continued to be prosperous for more than 350 years. In 1100 b.C. the Dorians founded the three great and famous cities of Lindos, Kameiros and Ialyssos. The evolution of these three cities went along with that of the cities of the coast across (Southwestern Asia Minor), with which they became allies, a fact that pushed forward wealth and prosperity.

It is the period of the great personalities of the island as the tyrant of Lindos Cleobulus, one of the Seven Sages of the ancient world and Diagoras, winner of the Olympic Games several times. In 408 b.C., the three cities decide to establish a new capital city of the island; thus the city of Rhodes is founded, a town that still exists and flourishes.

Rhodes has followed the destiny of the rest of Greece and was involved in the disputes and wars with the Persians.

During the period of Macedonians and in the Hellenistic period Rhodes was under the power of Macedonians and afterward of Ptolemy of Egypt. This period is the peak -period of glory and prosperity for the island. It was so powerful, that it achieved to defeat the famous Macedonian general Demetrius Poliorkitis (“the besieger”), in 305 b.C. It is in memory of this glorious victory that it was erected the most famous statue of antiquity, the so-called Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

During the Roman expansion, Rhodes became an ally of the Romans. However, in this period the town and the whole island suffered damages, due to the civil wars of the Roman generals. Rhodes is one of the first places in Greece where people adopted Christianity; it was St. Paul who preached Christianity on the island in 57 A.D.

During the Byzantine times, the island has periods of prosperity and flourishing. Due to its wealth and its geographical position, Rhodes attracts many invaders, who often attack and pillage it. Finally, in 1306, the island, along with the neighboring islands of Kos and Leros were sold to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Under the domination of the Knights Rhodes becomes commercial, economic, military, and cultural center of the Eastern Mediterranean. The fruit of this period of glory, wealth, and prosperity is the Medieval Town, this wonderful complex that still exists and gives to the town of Rhodes its unique character and atmosphere. It is in this period of flourishing that is formed the particular features of the collective consciousness and the character of the people of the island, that still survive, up to nowadays. In 1522, after a siege that lasted six months, the town and the whole island, surrendered to the Ottomans of the sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

The island continued to be under the Ottoman domination until 1912 when it passed to the Italians. In the beginning, the population of the island received them as liberators, but soon enough they realized that the Italians’ domination was only new domination that did not bring the freedom they expected. However, the Italians added a lot to the infrastructures of the island and constructed several interesting buildings, which helped the island to recover soon from the damages it suffered during the World War II, both by the Nazis and by the bombings of the allies. After the end of the war, Rhodes was occupied by the British army, who kept it until March 1948, when it was incorporated into Greece, along with the rest of the Dodecanese.

Ever since the history of Rhodes goes along with the history of Greece. Today this beautiful island with the fascinating natural environment, the glorious history, the cultural treasures, and the friendly people has been developed in a first choice tourist destination. Tourism has contributed a lot to the actual wealth and prosperity of the island.

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RHODES TAXI TOURS

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Tereza K
Tereza K
7. July, 2020.
Buetiful day I am excited, excellent communication, Mr. driver was amazing, friendly and very sympathetic, fulfilled my every wish all day I felt like a queen .... This day will be among my most beautiful memories thank you very much ..
mariangela362016
mariangela362016
15. May, 2020.
Rodi Città antica/medioevale. Patria dei Greci , ma anche dei molti popoli che l'hanno attraversata, nonchè dei Cavalieri Ospitalieri i quali, cacciati dagli ottomani, fuggirono a Malta e presero il nome di Cavalieri di Malta, è un meraviglioso miscuglio di stili e arte. Tutti i monumenti sono un bellissimo connubio tra oriente e occidente. Anche l'Italia ha avuto la sua parte nella conservazione dei beni culturali di Rodi antica, quando Rodi fu assegnata come Provincia all'Italia stessa. E, in quell'occasione, Mario Lago Luogotenente della Provincia di Rodi, ne fece rifiorire l'arte e la cultura, compiendo numerose opere e restauro di molti monumenti. Il castello medioevale è uno dei monumenti meglio conservati della città. IL Museo archeologico di Rodi era sede della Provincia ai tempi di Mario Lago ove è conservata una tra le più belle opere d'arte d'origine greca che si possa immaginare: Una piccola statua di " Afrodite che esce dal bagno" nuda inginocchiata nell'atto di lavarsi i capelli. Essa è alta non più di 50 cm datata I sec a.C. colpisce per la raffinatezza dei lineamenti del viso e la perfezione del corpo e le movenze dello stesso: INEGUAGLIABILE! Le bellezze architettoniche, archeologiche e paesaggistiche, unite ad un magnifico mare e a lunghe spiagge, alla partenza fanno rimpiangere il poco tempo che hai avuto a disposizione, per conoscerla meglio. Rodi è stata nominata dall'UNESCO "Monumento Mondiale di eredità Culturale".
LadyM005
LadyM005
31. January, 2020.
A lovely tour We spent an enjoyable half day with Nicholas; we hadn't been in Rhodes for 43 years and were really looking forward to being on this beautiful island again. We were able to see everything we wanted to see in a clean vehicle with a gracious, knowledgeable driver. If you have the opportunity to have Nicholas show you the sites, you would be extremely pleased. Can't recommend this enough.
Roseberry Team 18
Roseberry Team 18
2. January, 2020.
Nickolas made Rhodes a wonderful experience Nickolas was personable, treated us like family, and did an excellent job showing us the sites that were tailored to our interests. He was also engaging and provided commentary on the culture, family life. Rhodes is stunning and he presented the history well and is clearly passionate about the island. Great experience.
rorothman
rorothman
2. January, 2020.
A wonderful tour and driver My husband and I booked this tour and were joined by another couple from our ship, the Pacific Princess. We all enjoyed our trip immensely and found our driver /guide Agapitos to be professional and personable. We visited all the highlights as described and enjoyed this lovely overview of the island,as well as our stop at the ceramic factory where we watched some talented artisans do their craft. We especially appreciated our stop at the Jewish cemetery which was very emotional and interesting and were very pleased that ourvdriver arranged for the synahogue and museum to be opened up especially for us..since our visit was not during the tourist season and they didn't have regular hours at the day we arrived . We were so glad that we booked this tour and found the price reasonable for the 4 of us and aopreciated this very personalized Rhodes tour with Jewish highlights do much. It was a wonderful day to enjoy the time we had at this port. We topped off our day with some free time in the old city for a delicious beer..and an easy walk back to our shop.
Самуил М
Самуил М
1. January, 2020.
EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE It was extremely fabulous experience from the very start to the end. Our driver was so knowledgeable and polite and the tour was exactly what we needed. The car was so specious and luxury, with full aircondition - the perfect way to tour Rhodes. We also had a great stop for lunch in a superb tavern right on the sea edge. What a great day! Thank you for all and we will be sure back to this fantastic island.
gwenwong68
gwenwong68
4. December, 2019.
Rhodes and Lindos in one day Antonio, our driver was fun and knew how to schedule for us to see everything at the right time. Car was a Benz and very comfortable. Great day out. Highly recommended
Giuliana F
Giuliana F
26. November, 2019.
Awesome day trip!!! Thank you Nicholas for making our trip to Rhodes and Lindos on 11/1/19 a great experience! You are the perfect host! We will be back for some more fun times !!! We loved your local stories
dakota8888
dakota8888
20. November, 2019.
Wonderful tour We spent a half day touring Rhodes with George. He was an excellent guide and was very attentive. We saw several sites in Rhodes and also the Acropolis in Lindos. It was an excellent day.
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