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Table of Contents
Introduction
Perched on the cliffs of Rhodes, Lindos has always been a prize worth fighting for. Its strategic location in the Aegean, combined with its natural harbors and towering Acropolis, made it a stronghold that many empires sought to control.
From the Persians in 490 BCE to the Ottoman conquest of 1522 CE, Lindos has faced some of the most dramatic battles in Greek history. While some invaders were repelled, others left a lasting mark on the town’s history, culture, and architecture. This is the story of the Siege of Lindos, a tale of courage, conquest, and survival.
The First Great Siege of Lindos – The Persian Invasion (490 BCE)
The Achaemenid Empire’s Assault on Lindos
The first major test of Lindos’ defenses came in 490 BCE, when the Persian Empire, led by Datis and Artaphernes, launched a massive naval invasion of the Aegean as part of King Darius I’s campaign against Greece. Rhodes, being a valuable island for trade and military positioning, was an obvious target.
As the Persians laid siege of Lindos, the city’s defenders—outnumbered and low on supplies—faced what seemed like an impossible battle. According to the Chronicle of Lindos, the citizens prayed to Athena Lindia, their patron goddess, for guidance.
The Defiant Stand of Lindos
The defenders of Lindos refused to surrender. Despite having fewer warriors than the Persian army, they held their ground for weeks. According to legend, an ominous storm struck the Persian fleet, forcing them to abandon their siege of Lindos and retreat. Lindos became one of the few Greek cities to successfully resist Persian occupation, solidifying its reputation as a fortress of resilience.
The Conquests of Alexander the Great (332 BCE)
Lindos Becomes Part of a Global Empire
After defeating the Persians at the Battle of Issus, Alexander the Great set his sights on the Aegean islands, including Rhodes. Unlike other conquests marked by destruction, Lindos did not resist Alexander’s forces.
Instead, Lindos welcomed Alexander’s rule, recognizing his power and ensuring the city remained intact and prosperous under the new empire. As a sign of respect, Alexander offered gifts to the Temple of Athena Lindia, ensuring that Lindos would remain an important cultural and economic center in his growing empire.
The Roman Siege of Lindos and the Fall of Rhodes (164 BCE)
Rome Expands into the Aegean
By the 2nd century BCE, the once-powerful island of Rhodes was at risk of falling under Roman control. The Roman Republic, seeing Rhodes as both a threat and an opportunity, launched a campaign to dominate the Aegean.
The Last Stand of Lindos
The Rhodian navy was crushed, and soon after, Lindos and the rest of the island surrendered. With that, Rhodes and Lindos became part of the Roman province of Asia in 164 BCE. Unlike previous conquests, the Romans did not destroy Lindos; instead, they absorbed it into their vast empire, turning it into a prosperous trading and naval hub.
The Byzantine Defenses Against Arab Raids (7th–10th Century CE)
Lindos on the Frontline of the Byzantine Empire
During the 7th century, a new enemy arrived—Arab raiders from the Umayyad Caliphate. As the Mediterranean became a battleground between the Byzantine Empire and Muslim naval forces, Rhodes, and especially Lindos, became a frequent target of raids.
Fortifying the Acropolis
To counter these attacks, the Byzantines reinforced Lindos’ Acropolis, strengthening its walls and defensive structures. This turned Lindos into one of the strongest fortresses in the Dodecanese, successfully withstanding multiple raids over the next few centuries.
The Knights of St. John and the Ottoman Invasion (1522 CE)
The Last Great Siege of Lindos
By the 14th century, the powerful Knights of St. John had taken control of Rhodes and fortified Lindos as part of their defenses against the Ottoman Empire. Lindos, with its strong Acropolis and natural defenses, became a crucial outpost in the Knights’ resistance.
The Ottoman Conquest of 1522
In 1522, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent launched a full-scale invasion of Rhodes, bringing 200 ships and an army of over 100,000 soldiers. The Knights and the people of Lindos fought fiercely, using their fortifications and strategic position to hold off the invaders for months.
However, despite their resilience, the Ottomans were too powerful. After the long siege of Lindos and Rhodes, the Knights of St. John surrendered, and Lindos fell under Ottoman rule, marking the end of its medieval independence.
Conclusion
The Siege of Lindos stands as a testament to the resilience and strategic significance of this historic site. From its early prominence in ancient Greece to the determined resistance against the Ottoman invasion, Lindos exemplifies strength and endurance through centuries of conflict.
The fall of Lindos to the Ottoman Empire in 1522 signaled the end of an era, yet its legacy endures as a symbol of fortitude.
