Chares of Lindos

Quick Facts: Who was Chares of Lindos?

Subject:

Chares of Lindos

Known for:

Ancient Greek sculptor, famous for the colossal statue of Helios in Rhodes.

Born:

400 BC

Died:

280 BC

Century / Era:

-400s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Chares of Lindos was a prominent Greek sculptor who hailed from the island of Rhodes. His artistic training was notably influenced by the renowned sculptor Lysippos, suggesting a deep immersion in classical sculptural techniques. Although he was born on Rhodes, his connection to Lindos is also highlighted in his name. This early tutelage provided the foundation for some of the most ambitious works of his career, setting the stage for monumental achievements in Greek art.

Breakthrough & Iconic Era

His most celebrated and monumental work is the Colossus of Rhodes, an enormous bronze statue dedicated to the sun god Helios. This colossal structure was erected in 282 BC to commemorate Rhodes' significant military victory over invading Macedonians. Furthermore, his skill was recognized when a colossal head, attributed to him, was brought to Rome and dedicated on the Capitoline Hill in 57 BC. These works firmly established him as a master craftsman capable of handling immense scale and divine subject matter.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Colossus of Rhodes remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, cementing Chares's place in history. Although the statue was eventually destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, its memory persists through art and literature. His legacy extends even into modern times, as an asteroid was named in his honor, demonstrating the enduring cultural weight of his artistic contributions to the Mediterranean world.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 400 BC: Birth of Chares of Lindos — Ancient Greek sculptor, famous for the colossal statue of Helios in Rhodes.
2. 280 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Chares of Lindos passed away on -280, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Chares of Lindos

True or False: “The Colossus of Rhodes was built to commemorate a military victory, not merely as a tribute to the sun god Helios.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): While dedicated to Helios, the statue's construction was explicitly linked to commemorating Rhodes' decisive victory over the invading Macedonian forces in 305 BC.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alcamenes — Contemporary (Died in -400) (-400): 5th-century BC Greek sculptor known for delicate finish, contemporary of Phidias.
• Attalus (general) — Contemporary (Born in -400) (-400): Key Macedonian general and courtier serving Philip II of Macedon.
• Bessus — Contemporary (Born in -400) (-400): Achaemenid satrap and self-proclaimed King of Kings who resisted Alexander the Great.
• Han Fei — Contemporary (Born in -280) (-280): Founding Legalist philosopher of the Warring States period, influential statesman.
• Li Si — Contemporary (Born in -280) (-280): Key Qin Dynasty statesman, philosopher, and official who standardized early imperial China.
• Livius Andronicus — Contemporary (Born in -280) (-280): Pioneering Greco-Roman dramatist and epic poet, considered the father of Latin literature.
• Hanno the Navigator — Contemporary figure (Died in -401) (-401): Punic explorer renowned for his 5th-century BC voyage down the coast of West Africa.
• Jīvaka — Contemporary figure (Born in -401) (-401): Renowned physician to the Buddha and King Bimbisāra, celebrated as a model healer.
• Amyrtaeus — Contemporary figure (Died in -399) (-399): Pharaoh of the Twenty-eighth Dynasty, ending the first Persian occupation of Egypt.
• Antipater — Contemporary figure (Born in -397) (-397): Macedonian statesman and regent who served Philip II and Alexander the Great.
• -400 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -400
• -280 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -280

Frequently Asked Questions about Chares of Lindos