Acropolis of Rhodes

[4][5] During a flash flood in 316 BC, the upper town provided a refuge to those fleeing the city center, which was inundated due to the drains being clogged.

[9] It is no surprise that most of the monuments date from about the period when Rhodes's political and economic influence was at its peak, lasting until 167BC when Delos was turned into a free trade port by Rome.

Excavation began in 1946 and continues today in the Acropolis Archaeological Park, which covers 12,500 square metres (135,000 sq ft) and is protected from any new construction.

Though moderate in scale, the buildings have a rhythm and symmetry whose harmonious effects would have been enhanced by the natural landscaping typically suited to sacred space.

[12] Smaller than the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, this structure boasts a similar east–west orientation but is located on the southern end, just west of a large rectangular terrace.

[15] Presenting a distinct profile, in the ancient time it was a landmark for the ships sailing to Rhodes, and even today the reerected columns are visible from the harbor.

[16] Just southeast of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus are four subterranean structures cut into the rock, featuring entrance steps, passages, a large opening in the central roof, along with water cisterns, foliage and interior niches for statuettes.

[12] Local archaeological finds include figurines of Aphrodite or nymphs which are suitable for display in a niche context, but it is not known exactly what deities were worshiped in the grottoes.