Yes, there is the Acropolis, The White Village, the sunshine, the beaches and so many things to see and do, but you would be surprised how many people visit and then leave again having little to no understanding of The History Of Lindos In Rhodes.
No matter how many times I go to Lindos, I am captured by the setting, the beauty, the architecture and the vibrant feel of the village. I too will openly admit, I have visited and left without knowing anything as to why it is all here. I was so busy saying ‘WOW’, and I forgot everything else!
It was only later I asked the questions. What was its purpose? Who built it? When was it built? Plus many more!
Well, I have made a huge effort to learn as much as possible about this historic location, and I have been to take some photographs which will all be shared with you in this section dedicated to Lindos!
I promise you, I will cover all I can here, including a tour around the white village and a visit to The Acropolis. You can visit them all using the tour buttons below. First though, let’s take a few minutes to look at the fascinating history of Lindos!
The History Of Lindos – Myth Or Fact?
We all love Greek mythology. It brings fantasy to our minds, but we are often left
questioning what actual events took place in the past.
According to this mythology in Lindos, it is said that the village was found by Danaos who was the King of Egypt’s son! Danaos absconded to Rhodes from Egypt with his 50 daughters (The Danaides) as he was afraid of his twin brother (Aegyptus) along with his 50 sons.
From here Danaos and his daughters are said to have constructed The Temple Of Athena in honor of her who helped them with their escape! In this myth, Danaos went on to travel to mainland Greece where he went on to command for many years.
An Alternative Myth
An alternative to this myth is Danaos having only three daughters. They were named accordingly as Lindos, Kamiros and Ialyssos! These names went on to be the names of the 3 original cities on the island where these daughters were canonized and admired.
The History Of Lindos – The 12th Century
The First actual evidence of life in Lindos is believed to be in the 12th Century BC.
In these times and during The Trojan War, Lindos was a massive power when it came to controlling the seas and its naval abilities were extremely forceful and robust. Lindos was seen as the most dominant town on the island of Rhodes. This was the case due to its operational ports at the time and the dominating Acropolis which guarded the surrounding area!
This power was retained, and during the 7th Century BC it controlled most of the shipping and commerce throughout the Meditteranean Sea. This in turn grew into a solid income and soon it was able to support its own province and territory.
Also, the Lindian people were well respected when it came to sculptor. The Famous Colossus Of Rhodes Statue itself (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) was commissioned and built by Chares of Lindos and was completed in 282 BC.
The Rule Of Cleobulus (Son Of Evagoras)
Come the 6th Century BC and under the control of the poet and native Lindian Cleobolus (Κλεόβουλος in Greek), Lindos hit its peak of expansion.
Although referred to as a tyrant by some, it is well documented that under the 40 years of control by Cleobulus, Lindos flourished and became a very successful village at that time.
The reason he was so successful, is that he was said to have been the first to support public works and was able to raise funds from the local people.
With these funds, more was achieved and this is when The Temple Of Athena (originally built by Danaus) was reconstructed.
The History Of Lindos – The Combining Of The 3 Cities
After the Greco Persian Wars between 499 until 449 BC ended, Lindos, Kamiros and Ialyssos combined in 408 BC to form what is known today as Rhodes Town which now lies on the most northern part of the island.
Once this new town was in place, many of the local Lindian people moved away from Lindos to reside in the new town. Naturally all the shipping and sculptors left with them!
Lindos still held onto the trade however when it came to the seas. Entering the more modern era though, the ports of Lindos soon declined.
The Knights Of Saint John during their reign on Rhodes maintained the shipping and trade, but once they were overrun by The Ottoman Empire things really changed.
The Turkish had little in the way of interest when it came trade, so they allowed the local Lindian people to run it all as they wished to do so.
See The Video For Some Amazing Views Of Lindos
Lindos Today
These days, you will find the shipping and trade all operated from Rhodes Town. Lindos however has continued to flourish due to its history and iconic Acropolis.
A lot of the original dwellings in Lindos have been restored whilst keeping there original features in mind. With this, you can still walk through the Lindos of today and at the same time have a great taste of its history and past.
So, let’s continue. Use the buttons below to take a tour of the Acropolis Of Lindos, The White City and the Beaches!
Let me know if you have any questions too. Ask them in the comments below and I will get back to you. Have you visited Lindos yourself? Maybe you would like too? I would love to hear from all of you.
Learn Lots More About Lindos And Its History. Click From Below To Continue Your Tour.
Chris, I would love to check myself into a Rhodes Hotel, rent a scooter or a bicycle, and take your Website (or you personally if not too busy) and experience the same thrill you received on your trip to Rhodes with the bay as the history you described is stenciled in my mind.
What a prolific writer you are writing the descriptions about just about every subject.
I grew up around the sculpture and the statue of Cleobulus was a wonderful picture. It looks like it was made of some metal.
You said the people were well respected when it came to sculpture. Did you mean that they appreciated sculpture and the other arts such as poetry? Or did you mean the people were respected when it came to sculpture because the people were noted for their sculpture?
You put us right there in watching the videos. I was there in my imagination too when you described the different modes of traffic. If I were there, I would take my bike (a 7 speed fortified bike) and follow the clear and wonderful list of categories to speed along with your prolific accounts of everything.
This is such a wonderful website because one has to come back to read more of everything.
Keep writing, Chris.
Thank you so much for getting in contact Judy, it is great to hear from you and please accept my apology for the late reply. I have been somewhat occupied with things here as I am planning the next section of the website, and it has taken longer than I wanted. So no fear, I will keep writing for sure 🙂
Sculpture, Poetry and The Arts were (and still are) very important here. People do respect all of these and there are museums you can visit to get up close to them. It is something very important for the history of Rhodes and I think it always will be.
Thanks for watching the videos too. I feel sometimes seeing something can really get things clear whereas words cannot. I think it adds more of an experience for people 🙂
So, get yourself here, and no, I am not too busy 🙂 If you need anything at all just let me know. I am here!
Thanks again Judy
Chris
The concept that Lindos, Kamiros and Ialyssos combined together to form Rhodes town is very intriguing. It is interesting how once the new town was set in place, the sculptors and shippers left with them. So to this day, Lindos is still operating their trade routes. That is important to maintaining a country’s economy.
I enjoyed watching the video at the end. I would like to visit one day.
Thanks Kenny, happy to hear you liked the information on Lindos.
Although this area was mainly a shipping area all of them years ago, all of the shipping, trade and passengers that arrive and depart by boat is now operated from Rhodes Town. There you will find all of the harbors in full swing.
Lindos now is mainly a tourist setting, where people flock to see The Acropolis and neighboring areas. It is a very beautiful area and not to be missed out on during your visit.
Thanks my friend. Great to hear from you.
Chris
Thank you yet again Chris for informing a Greek guy about the history of Lindos in Rhodes, an island I have never been to unfortunately.
We, as Greeks are guilty many times of not knowing our own history which is thousands of years old. I constantly visit your website to learn more about Rhodes.
Πανέμορφο νησί πραγματικά! God bless you.
Hello John and thanks for getting in touch again. Great to see you.
I do not think the Greeks alone when it comes to taking the history for granted. I have met many people while living in Rhodes from all around the world, and they say the same.
I also have one friend that lives in Rome. He is 42 years old and he never even been to the Coliseum. I think it is easy to overlook things when they are part of your heritage. A lot of people will say ‘there is always tomorrow to see it’.
I hope you manage to visit Rhodes some day. You are right, It is a beautiful island.
Ευχαριστω Πολυ John
Chris
First of all, Lindos looks beautiful! You have definitely peaked my interest for the island of Rhodes.
The video was great! The ruins really interest me. I would love to just walk through all of them and take it all in. History and the sites is what makes a holiday special for me
Thanks for sharing! Is the water warm year round?
Hey there, I am happy Lindos got your attention.
You will be pleased to know that the sites are open all of the year round in Lindos so you can visit anytime.
When it comes to the water, of course it is better to come in the summer time, but I have been swimming here on the winter time too.
It can take your breath away a little, but it is far from freezing.
Nice to see you here again Leahrae. I hope you get here soon.
Chris
Hey Chris, I really enjoyed reading your post.
I really love your site since I can get on here and plan my holidays 100% through. The only downside is that every time I come here I add another location to my holiday map 🙂
Like Lindos, there is so much history in that town that I have to go there. 🙂
Yes, this is the thing with Rhodes Aaron, no matter what you have seen or plan to see, there is always more waiting around the corner.
To be honest, i think you could visit the island 20 times and still not see everything. There is always something that you miss, even if you think you have seen it all.
Lindos is like this. No matter how many times I go, i never remember everything. I always see something I think I have not seen before, even if I though I had 🙂
Thanks once again for your visit. I am here if you ever need something.
Thanks Aaron!
Chris
Wow, this is great. I like to travel and have always been fascinated with Greek Mythology.
The History of Lindos in Rhodes is very interesting. I will be putting it on my bucket list of places to see.
Armed with the history information you provided, I will be able to truly appreciate it more.
Thanks for the information
Take Care
Thanks very much Todd and i am happy you liked the information here.
There is indeed lots to see in Lindos when it comes to the history and it is a place I recommend everyone to come and appreciate in their lifetime!
It is great you have added it to your to do list!
Thanks my friend, nice to meet you.
Chris
I am helping my daughter with a paper she is writing for school about Greek mythology and that landed me on your post. There is so much history and you bring up some very interesting points about just exactly how that history has played out. Thank you for sharing some great insight here.
Additionally, I would like to say that I have always wanted to visit Greece. Everything I have seen, it just looks absolutely beautiful. It is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to someday.
It is also great to hear that there is a restoration effort to maintain the history of Lindos. Thanks again, this is a great read.
Hey there.
I am glad the information here was useful to you. I have had many people say that the details on my site have helped people doing classes. Great news 🙂
I hope you manage to land here one day and see it all for yourself!
Thanks
Chris
Hello
This is a fascinating article about Lindos. It seems a beautiful place with very rich art and your article makes it all the more attractive to go.
The rule of Cleobulus got my attention and its curious that that ruler advocated public works and getting everyone involved in the betterment of the place.
I appreciate the article and the pictures and you opened my eyes to a new possibility of a vacation place.
Cheers
Orion
Thanks Orion. I have seen you on here a few times now and you have been in touch before. it is great to have you here once more.
I am happy you like the information on Lindos. It does have a deep history and is a must see if you ever make it to the island. The Acropolis and the White Village are simply amazing.
Look forward to seeing you here 🙂
Thanks
Chris
Your video really entices me to go there someday. Did you do this video yourself? I like all your posts telling about your home in Rhodes.
I almost forgot about the Colossus Of Rhodes. That was really a site in it’s day I bet.
Why was this Cleobulus considered a tyrant? I never heard of him.
Thanks for your question Jason. It is nice to have you here.
I am happy you like the information on the site. I do not live in such a bad place and it is great you had a look through the site.
Although the Colossus of Rhodes has long been destroyed, it is said that plans are being put into place for a rebuild. I do not know if this will come to fruition, but if it does, it will also be a great site. We will have to see I guess.
When it comes to Cleobulus, he is said to have done great things for Lindos and its people, however he was referred to as a tyrant by some others. One of these was a man named Lucius Plutarchus who was a Greek biographer. This was all to do with democracy at this time.
Was he a tyrant though? Other people for example called him ‘The King of The Lindians’. It all dates back to the 6th Century, so many of the events that took place could have been lost, and are now a matter of opinion!
Thanks Jason, I appreciate your visit.
Chris
Hey Chris, Good Read!
I have always wanted to visit Greece and the surrounding areas. I love their history and even have 2 friends from Greece, (I don’t remember where).
I really liked how well you explain the history of Lindos and how you didn’t (couldn’t) think about that while being captivated and humbled by the breath taking beauty of your surroundings.
I did a required summer project for my AP English 4 class during my senior year on, ‘Edith Hamilton’s book of Mythology’. I enjoyed that book so much I read it a second time.
‘The History Of Lindos In Rhodes’ is beautifully set up here and thank you for sharing this!
Hi Tim and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have to be honest and say I have not read this material by Edith Hamilton. I will take a look around and see if i can get my hands on a copy. Thanks for the heads up!
It is true what I say too, the first time I visited Lindos I was absolutely mesmerized by what I saw. It was just such a privilege to be there, I was thinking about remembering my visit and what I saw as opposed to concentrating on the history. i am sure lots of people are the same too.
I hope this site serves people who want to learn something that maybe they missed it on their trip here, or if they are a planning a visit and want to learn something ahead of time! Hey, they can even use it as a tour guide too if they wish.
Thanks Tim, nice to hear from you.
Chris
Really fascinating story of somewhere I have never specifically heard of before. So much history along with such beauty and a gorgeous beach as well. I think any visitor could do with a history lesson prior to a visit and your article is certainly enticing.
I would love to visit one day. The Greek islands conjure up a picture of warm clear waters and colorful culture.
Your review has done both the visitor and the place itself a favor.
Hello Paul, I am glad you found the material here interesting.
Hey, you had never heard of this place before, and now you have, so my work is paying off 🙂
A lot of people do overlook the island of Rhodes when it comes to booking holidays, but believe it or not, it is a famous island when it comes to tourism.
People come to the island in their millions each year to discover and learn about the important history that has been created here in years gone by.
Places such as Lindos which you read about here, plus countless other historical areas make it a must for people into history.
The weather is pretty good too, so there is something for everyone. It would be a great opportunity for you to hit that beach!
Thanks Paul.
Chris
Hey Chris
Thank you for another amazing post. I was truly excited to read about the history of Lindos in Rhodes.
I do believe it is a crime to go to any place in Greece with no knowledge about its history 🙂 Especially, due to the fact that Greek people are so proud of their history.
In talking about history – what do you think about the long-term argument between Macedonia (or Skopje as Greeks name their neighbor country) and Greeks regarding the history?
Do people in Rhodes also share Greeks point of view about Macedonia stealing Greece history?
Arta, hey and nice to see you back here again!
You know, I agree with you when it comes to soaking up some history while visiting places. But you know, it is not coming here and having no knowledge or understanding of it all that it the crime. This is fine. The crime is visiting and then leaving and making no effort to appreciate it.
I will be honest and say that most holidaymakers come to Rhodes and show a lot of interest in the history. They will take time to visit places such as Lindos, The Medieval City and maybe some castles. This is really great.
There are others though that just prefer to lay in the sun. I can understand that too in all honesty. Each person makes their own choice. I like to explore though!
I go on holiday to see something I have not seen before. For example, why go to New York to sit in a bar and not see Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty? I can sit in a bar at home can’t I?
Like I say, all people are different. Nobody can judge!
As for the issue with Macedonia, it is a very sensitive issue. I want to talk to you about it, but if you send me a private message we can discuss it there! This is a subject that people feel very strongly about, and I do not want to upset anyone on here!
Thanks Arta, looking forward to seeing you here again!
Chris