The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of which Greek god?

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of Helios, the Greek sun god.

The Rhodians commissioned the monumental bronze after successfully defending their island against the siege of Demetrius I of Macedon in 305–304 BC. Helios was particularly important to Rhodes, where he functioned as the island’s patron deity and a central focus of local religious identity.

The sculptor Chares of Lindos directed the work, which was completed around 280 BC after roughly twelve years of construction. Ancient accounts place the statue at about 70 cubits, or approximately 33 metres tall. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

An earthquake toppled the Colossus in 226 BC, breaking it at the knees. The Rhodians chose not to rebuild it, reportedly following an oracle. Contrary to many modern illustrations, there is no reliable evidence that it stood astride the harbour entrance; its exact location remains debated.