Which ancient wonder stood in the harbor of Rhodes and was destroyed by an earthquake around 226 BCE?

The Colossus of Rhodes was the ancient wonder that stood in Rhodes and fell during an earthquake around 226 BCE.

The enormous bronze statue was dedicated to Helios, the Greek sun god. It was erected after Rhodes successfully resisted a siege by Demetrius I of Macedon in 305–304 BCE. The sculptor Chares of Lindos is traditionally credited with the work, which probably took about twelve years to complete.

Ancient accounts place the statue near the harbor, but modern scholarship generally considers the popular image of it straddling the harbor entrance impossible. The Colossus likely stood on land near the city’s harbor rather than across the water.

The earthquake broke the statue at the knees. According to ancient writers, the ruins remained visible for centuries, but the people of Rhodes did not rebuild it. The monument’s exact appearance and height remain uncertain, although it is commonly estimated at roughly 30 meters or more.