Ancient Lindos History: What Travelers Wrote About It Centuries Ago
24 February 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction
Greek mythology isn’t just about **gods and heroes**—it’s an ancient soap opera full of jealousy, betrayal, epic battles, and wild plot twists that have captivated audiences for centuries. With powerful gods and mortals trying to outwit their fates, the Mythology of Rhodes is no exception. It’s packed with gods claiming islands, warriors defying odds, and curses that shaped the island’s history and culture.
Take the tale of Helios, the sun god, who pulled Rhodes out of the sea as his personal domain. Or the myth of a goddess whose rituals ensured her protection over the people. There are also stories of cunning warriors defeating enemies with ingenuity and curses that left lasting marks on the island’s legends.
These myths are hilarious, intriguing, and deeply tied to Rhodes’ identity, offering a glimpse into ancient Greek beliefs. Ready to uncover the most fascinating legends of Rhodes?
When Helios Got Ghosted by the Other Gods ☀️🌊
You’d think the Sun God would be important enough to get his fair share of land, right? Wrong.
According to the Mythology of Rhodes, when the Olympian gods divided the world, Helios (the Sun God) was out doing his daily sun-chariot ride. By the time he got back, all the land had already been claimed. Zeus, realizing the mistake, was like, “Oops, my bad, we can redo the division.”
But Helios had a better idea—instead of taking leftovers, he pulled an island out of the sea, and that island became Rhodes. Lindos, one of its first settlements, was blessed with eternal sunlight (hence the amazing sunsets and golden beaches today!).
The Heliades – The Original “Sun-Kissed” Influencers of the Mythology of Rhodes🌞📸
Move over modern Instagram influencers; the Heliades were setting trends long before social media existed. These were the daughters of Helios, the Sun God, and their story is both fascinating and tragic. The Heliades—often associated with their brother, Phaethon—were famed for their beauty and close connection to the sun.
But their tale took a dark turn when Phaethon, desperate to prove his divine heritage, recklessly took control of his father Helios’s sun-chariot. Unable to control the horses, Phaethon veered wildly across the sky, scorching the earth before Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt to prevent further chaos.
The Heliades were devastated by their brother’s death and spent days mourning at the river Eridanos, where he had fallen. Their grief was so profound that the gods eventually transformed them into poplar trees, and their tears became amber droplets—an eternal reminder of their sorrow.
Despite their tragic story, the legacy of the Heliades endures. They symbolize beauty, familial love, and resilience, shining as constant reminders of the intricate dramas woven into the Mythology of Rhodes. Whether as poplars by ancient rivers or shimmering amber, the Heliades live on, immortalized in legend and natural wonder.
Athena Lindia – The Goddess Who Had a Very Specific Rule 🏛️⚔️
Lindos is home to the Acropolis of Lindos, dedicated to Athena Lindia, a unique version of Athena known for her fierce protection of the city.
But unlike in Athens, where Athena was all about wisdom, in Lindos, she was a no-nonsense warrior goddess who had one very specific ritual rule—Lindos could only offer fireless sacrifices.
Why? According to legend, the first priestesses of Lindos messed up a sacrifice and forgot to light the fire. Instead of getting angry, Athena just went with it and declared, “Fine. From now on, no fire sacrifices.”
Moral of the story? Even gods can be flexible—just don’t mess up a ritual twice.
Cleoboulos – The Sage Who Thought He Was Too Smart for Drama 👑🧠
Lindos wasn’t just famous for gods—it was also home to one of the Seven Sages of Greece, Cleoboulos of Lindos.
His personal motto? “Moderation is best in all things.” 🧘♂️ (Which sounds wise but also kind of boring.)
Unlike other Greek rulers, Cleoboulos focused on education, philosophy, and city planning rather than wars. He actually built much of Lindos’ fortifications, helping the city thrive.
But here’s the twist—legend says he hid a secret treasure somewhere in Lindos, and no one has found it yet. So, if you’re feeling lucky, grab a map and start searching!
The Dragon That May or May Not Have Existed 🐉🔥
According to medieval mythology of Rhodes, the Knight’s island was once terrorized by a dragon that lived in the cliffs near the sea.
The story goes that a knight from the Order of St. John ventured into its cave and defeated the beast in a dramatic battle.
But here’s the thing:
👉 There are no dragons in Greek mythology.
👉 No one knows if this “dragon” was actually a giant snake, a metaphor for an enemy, or just an exaggerated legend.
Either way, if you’re wandering neat the island’s caves at night and hear strange noises… maybe don’t go investigating.
Conclusion
The Mythology of Rhodes is a mix of gods creating islands, jealous brothers turning into rocks, warrior goddesses, and mysterious treasures.
Even today, you can walk through the Acropolis where Athena was worshipped, watch the sunset over the island Helios created, and explore caves that may or may not have been home to a dragon.
Lindos isn’t just a historical site—it’s a place where myths, legends, and history blend together. So, next time you visit, remember: you’re standing in a land of gods, heroes, and maybe even a lost treasure waiting to be found.
