Rhodes is the most important island in the Dodecanese or South Sporades Islands. It is also the most easterly island of the Aegean Sea.
In Greek mythology, Rhodes was created by the sun god and a sea nymph: symbolic to both sun and sea in this beautiful place. According to Homer, the first colonists were Dorian Greeks, who founded three settlements; Lindos, Kamiros and Ialyssos. All three towns grew and prospered, extending trade as far as Italy and Spain. They became involved in the Persian and Peloponesian wars and saw the need for a fortress. The city of Rhodes was founded at the northern tip of the island, and built a powerful citadel with a protected harbor.
The most glorious episode in Rodian history began in 1309 when the Knights of St. John took control of the region. The Knights were founded during the Crusades as a nursing brotherhood, helping to care for the sick and infirm among the pilgrims to the Holy Land. As fighting continued in the countryside they evolved into a military order, although they never lost their interest in medicine and healing.
The real treat in Rhodes is to walk the streets of the Old Town. The journey will take you back 5 centuries. There is an ancient Temple of Athena Lindia that as had recent restoration to let you have a glimpse of what the ancient temple was like.
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