Rhodes

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Greek island, largest of the Dodecanese, in the eastern Aegean Sea; area 1,412 sq km/545 sq mi; population (2003 est) 55,600. The island has a central mountain range, the Attaviros Mountains. Rhodes town is the capital of the island, and is located at the most northerly point on the island. Wheat, tobacco, cotton, wine grapes, oranges, vegetables, and olives are grown. Tourism is the most important industry; fishing and wine production are also sources of income.

History
The island was settled by Dorians from Argos before 1000 BC. By the 7th century BC, it was dominated by its three city-states of Camirus, Lindos, and Ialysus, all commercial centres. It entered the greatest period of prosperity, power, and cultural achievement when it asserted its independence after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. The arts and sciences flourished; major figures included the astronomer Hipparchus and the painter Protogenes. The ancient harbour, now called Mandraki, has a statue of a deer and fawn at the entrance to the port where the Colossus of Rhodes stood. The town of Rhodes was designed by the architect Hippodamus of Miletus in 408 BC and was the first town to be built using an urban plan based on a perpendicular system. Rhodes was held by the Knights Hospitallers of St John 1306–1522 AD. It then fell under Ottoman rule until the Italian occupation in 1912. Rhodes was ceded to Greece in 1947.

White represents a desire for peace and liberty. Green symbolizes freedom and agricultural wealth. Red stands for the courage of spilt blood of the freedom fighters. Effective date: 22 November 1990. >>