Brief History of Lindos: Ancient Times

11th Cent. BC: Foundation of Lindos

The history of the Lindos Acropolis begins in the Neolithic period, around 4,000 years ago. In the 11th century BC, the settlement was first occupied by the Dorian Greeks, who named it Lindus, and established the area as a fortified town.

The name Lindus is thought to come from the ancient Greek word linthos, which means “marshland”. It is believed that the Dorians chose the location for their settlement due to the abundance of marshy land, which made it easy to build the fortifications that protected the town. The Dorians also built the temple of Athena Lindia, which was dedicated to the goddess Athena. In the 8th century BC, the Acropolis became an important naval base for the Greeks, helping to secure the island of Rhodes.

7th Cent. BC.: Persian Attacks

In the 7th century BC, the Lindos Acropolis was fortified against the Persians, and a massive wall was built around the citadel. During this period, the Acropolis became a major centre of commerce, as well as a religious and military power.

The Acropolis of Lindos was an important military power due to its strategic location and impressive fortifications. The site had a large and powerful naval fleet, which helped to defend the island against invasions and kept trade routes secure. The Acropolis was also home to a large citadel, which was fortified with massive walls made of stone and earth.

The walls were further defended by two large towers, as well as the temple of Athena Lindia, which was dedicated to the goddess of war. The Acropolis also boasted impressive artillery, such as catapults and war machines, which could be used to defend the site from invaders. Finally, the Acropolis had access to an abundant water supply, which made it virtually impossible to lay siege to the site. This combination of strategic location, fortifications, naval and land forces, and water supply made the Lindos Acropolis a formidable military power.

5th Cent. BC: Athens Vs Sparta and the Role of Lindos

In the 5th century BC, Lindos was the site of a major naval battle between the Athenians and Spartans.

The strategic location of the Acropolis made it a valuable asset to both Athens and Sparta, as it was the only fortified area on the island of Rhodes that could be used to protect its naval fleets. During the war, Lindos was invaded by the Athenians, who sought to gain control of the Acropolis. However, the formidable fortifications of the Acropolis kept the Athenians at bay, and the Spartans were able to hold their ground. In the end, it was the naval forces of the Athenians that ultimately won the battle, but the Acropolis of Lindos was left largely untouched and intact.

Roman Era

During the Roman period, the Acropolis was used as a fortified stronghold, and was home to a temple dedicated to the god Athena Lindia.

In Roman times, the Acropolis of Lindos was home to a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Lindia. It was also the site of a major port, which provided an important trading hub where merchants from all over the Mediterranean could come to trade goods. The Acropolis was also frequently visited by Roman emperors, who sought to pay tribute to Athena Lindia and offer offerings of wealth and riches.

During this period, the Acropolis was also a popular destination for Roman soldiers, who used the area as a base and stronghold for their military operations. The impressive fortifications and strategic location provided the Romans with an ideal defensive post, and they made extensive use of the area for training and military exercises.

The Acropolis of Lindos was also home to a number of other impressive monuments, including the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the sun god Helios, and the Temple of Athena Lindia. These monuments served as a testament to the grandeur and power of the site, and were admired by all who visited the Acropolis.

The Acropolis of Lindos was an important center of worship and culture during Roman times, and was visited by many important figures, including Julius Caesar and Augustus. The Acropolis was also a popular destination for pilgrims, who came to pay their respects to the gods and goddesses of the area. As a result, the Acropolis of Lindos played an important role in preserving the culture and history of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Brief History of Lindos: Medieval Era

Byzantine Empire

The Acropolis of Lindos experienced great prosperity during the Byzantine period. The city was a major trading port and had access to the lucrative Mediterranean trade routes. This allowed the city to become an important economic hub, and it flourished as the wealth of the surrounding area increased.

The city was also home to a number of religious sites, including the Church of the Virgin Mary, which was believed to be the site of a miracle. This church drew many pilgrims to the city, who came to pay their respects and offer their prayers to the Virgin Mary. This influx of pilgrims and traders helped to fuel the city's growth and prosperity.

In addition to these economic and religious benefits, the Acropolis of Lindos was also home to a number of cultural and educational institutions. The city was home to a number of libraries and schools, which helped to spread the knowledge and culture of the Byzantines.

Knights' Era: Occupation by the Knights of Rhodes and Malta

Later, the Acropolis of Lindos was occupied by the Knights of Rhodes and Malta. The knights were an order of Crusaders, and were charged with securing the island of Rhodes from invasion. During this period, the Acropolis was used as a fortress and the knights built a large castle on the site.

The castle was fortified with large walls, and it was designed to be a secure base of operations for the knights. The castle was also home to a large garrison, which was tasked with defending the Acropolis from invaders.

In addition, the castle was also home to a shipbuilding yard, where the knights constructed and repaired their vessels. The knights also added a number of religious and military artifacts to the Acropolis, including a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a number of cannons. The Acropolis was a major center of trade and commerce during this period, and it was also used by the knights as a base from which to conduct naval operations against their enemies.

The occupation of the Acropolis by the Knights of Rhodes and Malta lasted until the 16th century. During this period, the Acropolis was the site of numerous battles, as the knights defended the site against invaders. Ultimately, the knights were successful in defending the Acropolis, and their occupation of the site lasted for many years.

Ottoman Empire

The Acropolis of Lindos was occupied by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. The Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent invaded Rhodes in 1522 and the Acropolis was taken by the Ottomans. The Acropolis remained in Ottoman hands until the 18th century. During its occupation by the Ottomans, the Acropolis was used as a military base and the site was fortified with large walls and cannons. The Ottoman occupation marked a period of economic stagnation for the Acropolis, as the Ottoman Empire's grip on the region hindered trade and commerce.

In addition to its use as a military base, the Acropolis was also home to a number of religious sites. The Ottoman Empire was an Islamic state, and the Acropolis was home to a number of mosques and minarets that were used by the local Muslim population. The Acropolis was also home to a number of religious schools, which served to spread the Islamic faith and culture throughout the region.

The Acropolis of Lindos was also home to a number of artisan workshops, which produced a variety of goods. These workshops produced items such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry, which were sold to the local population and to merchants from around the Mediterranean.

Brief History of Lindos: Modern Times

In 1912, the Acropolis was liberated from the Ottomans, and in the following years it was extensively excavated and studied. The ruins were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhodes.

Visitors to the site can explore the ruins of the ancient citadel, including the Temple of Athena Lindia, as well as the ruins of the medieval fortress. The Acropolis also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the ancient history of Rhodes.