where is the colossus of rhodes located today
Colossus of Rhodes
Construction began in 292 BC . Ancient accounts , which differ to some degree , describe the structure as being built with iron tie bars to which brass plates were fixed to form the skin . The interior of the structure , which stood on a 15 - metre ( 49 - foot ) high white marble pedestal near the Mandraki harbour entrance , was then filled with stone blocks as construction progressed . Other sources place the Colossus on a breakwater in the harbour . According to most contemporary descriptions , the statue itself was about 70 cubits , or 33 metres ( 108 feet ) tall . Much of the iron and bronze was reforged from the various weapons Demetrius 's army left behind , and the abandoned second siege tower may have been used for scaffolding around the lower levels during construction . Upper portions were built with the use of a large earthen ramp . During the building , workers would pile mounds of earth on the sides of the colossus . Upon completion all of the earth was removed and the colossus was left to stand alone . After twelve years , in 280 BC , the statue was completed . Preserved in Greek anthologies of poetry is what is believed to be the genuine dedication text for the Colossus .
Construction began in 292 BC . Ancient accounts , which differ to some degree , describe the structure as being built with iron tie bars to which brass plates were fixed to form the skin . The interior of the structure , which stood on a 15 - metre ( 49 - foot ) high white marble pedestal near the Mandraki harbour entrance , was then filled with stone blocks as construction progressed . Other sources place the Colossus on a breakwater in the harbour . According to most contemporary descriptions , the statue itself was about 70 cubits , or 33 metres ( 108 feet ) tall . Much of the iron and bronze was reforged from the various weapons Demetrius 's army left behind , and the abandoned second siege tower may have been used for scaffolding around the lower levels during construction . Upper portions were built with the use of a large earthen ramp . During the building , workers would pile mounds of earth on the sides of the colossus . Upon completion all of the earth was removed and the colossus was left to stand alone . After twelve years , in 280 BC , the statue was completed . Preserved in Greek anthologies of poetry is what is believed to be the genuine dedication text for the Colossus .