The New Student's Reference Work/Colossus of Rhodes

Colossus (kṓ-lŏs′sŭs) of Rhodes, a huge statue of Helios (the sun), the chief god of the Rhodians. It is said to have been the work of Chares of Lindus, who spent 12 years on it, finishing it in 280 B. C. It was called one of the seven wonders of the world, though not a masterpiece of sculpture. Its height was from 90 to 120 feet. It stood near the harbor; but the story that it was placed astride the entrance is erroneous. In 224 B. C. it was overthrown by an earthquake, and lay an object of wonder until 653, when it was sold to a Jew for old metal.