Get Sleepy: "The Colossus of Rhodes" (Seven Wonders #5)

Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Thomas (Slumber Studios)

Episode Overview

This calming episode of Get Sleepy continues the "Seven Wonders" series, inviting listeners on a gentle, immersive journey to ancient Rhodes in the 3rd century BCE. Through a soothing narrated story, listeners travel as visitors to the famed Greek island, learning about the creation, history, and legacy of the Colossus of Rhodes—once the tallest statue of the ancient world and a symbol of both engineering triumph and communal resilience. The episode balances historical narration with sensory-rich, meditative storytelling designed to foster relaxation and sleep.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Setting the Scene in Ancient Rhodes

• Listeners are invited to relax and "travel" via a wooden ship to Rhodes, described as the home of the sun god Helios (07:15).
• The island is presented vividly, with sensory details: salty air, the sound of waves, a bustling harbor, and Balearic sunlight.

"Picture yourself aboard a great wooden ship. It bobs gently along the Mediterranean Sea on lapis colored waves that glisten with sunlight."
—Thomas (07:26)

2. Historical Background: Wars and Sieges

• The narrative gives a brief, accessible history of Rhodes after the death of Alexander the Great, outlining the wars of his successors (11:00).
• Rhodes faces siege by Demetrius, son of Antigonus, with the construction of the massive siege tower Helepolis—a marvel of ancient warfare engineering.

"The Helepolis, as it was known, was an iron plated siege tower and had 16 catapults built in place along its frame. It was 20 metres wide and 40 metres tall and so heavy that it required three and a half thousand men working in relays to push it into place."
—Leandros, via Thomas (13:28)

3. The Creation of the Colossus

• Following their improbable victory, the Rhodians commission the Colossus as both a monument to victory and an offering to Helios (16:00).
• Listeners, through the point of view of a fictional traveler, are guided to the statue by Leandros, a local merchant.
• The story details the fundraising (selling left-behind siege weapons and collecting 300 talents of silver), selection of sculptor Khares of Lindos, and the formidable engineering involved (19:00–22:00).

"The Colossus of Rhodes was built by Khares of Lindos, considered at the time to be the best sculptor on the island… In total, it took around 12 years to build."
—Thomas (22:10)

4. Imagining the Colossus and Its Impact

• The statue is described as a towering, lifelike bronze figure of Helios with a solar crown, whose magnificence inspires awe among both locals and travelers (23:30–28:00).
• The term "Colossus" itself originates from this statue, impacting language and the sense of identity for Rhodians who become known as Colossians.

"The statue is so large that it's changed the Greek language. The word Colossus was invented to describe this very statue."
—Thomas (27:13)

5. Cultural and Civic Flourishing

• The unveiling of the Colossus sparks cultural growth—schools for science, philosophy, literature, and art flourish (28:30).
• Early tourism develops as travelers from distant lands arrive just to see the Colossus, nourishing Rhodes' economy and cultural vibrancy.

"The city has grown in wealth and reputation ever since the Colossus was unveiled… Those who can afford it have travelled to see it from distant realms. Far across the globe, Rhodes has benefited from an influx of wealthy explorers."
—Thomas (29:10)

6. The Fate and Legacy of the Colossus

• The statue stands for only 54 years before being toppled by an earthquake in 226 BCE, never to be rebuilt (33:45).
• Even after its fall, the Colossus remains a tourist draw for centuries, visitors marvelling at its immense broken parts (35:00).
• The legend of the Colossus grows, often blending fact with myth—many believe it stood straddling the harbor, torch aloft, but there's no evidence of this (37:00–39:00).
• Its enduring influence is showcased in later art and monuments, notably the Statue of Liberty—referred to as the "New Colossus."

"What's truly remarkable about the Colossus of Rhodes is how its reputation will grow over millennia. So much so that by the 21st century, it will be difficult to separate fact from fiction."
—Thomas (37:45)

7. Themes of Wonder, Ephemerality, and Peace

• Listeners are encouraged to contemplate themes of human ingenuity, cultural pride, and the ephemeral nature of even the grandest achievements.
• The story closes with meditative observations, encouraging a sense of peace and contentment in the listener.

"You take one last look at the Colossus of Rhodes, an epic masterpiece of sculpted bronze. Then your eyes drift closed as you lie back on the grass, surrendering to a state of deep relaxation."
—Thomas (44:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On engineering marvels:
  "I'd never seen anything as large or magnificent, at least not until the massive bronze statue that was erected recently in 280 BCE." —Leandros, via Thomas (15:14)

• On artistry and pride:
  "The sun God is a symbol of Rhodium pride, a showing of their wealth and the power of their will." —Thomas (23:14)

• On legacy and myth:
  "Many of us are more familiar with the fictitious Colossus, straddling pillars in the harbour, torch raised in the air. There's no evidence to support this version..." —Thomas (38:08)

• On connection and awe:
  "The way the bronze glistens is nothing short of magic. It glitters and sparkles from feet to crown." —Thomas (41:27)

Timestamps of Major Segments

• [07:15] – Arrival on the ship, sensory setting of ancient Rhodes
• [11:00] – Historical context: Wars of Alexander's successors
• [13:28] – Description of the Helepolis siege tower
• [16:00] – Aftermath of the siege and decision to build the Colossus
• [19:00–22:00] – The commission, building, and engineering of the statue
• [23:30–28:00] – Walking up to the Colossus; impact on language and identity
• [28:30] – Rhodes’s cultural and economic flourishing post-Colossus
• [33:45] – Earthquake and the fall of the Colossus
• [35:00] – The allure and influence of the fallen statue
• [37:45] – Enduring myth, legacy, and artistic inspiration
• [41:27] – Final moments of awe, peace, and relaxation

Tone & Atmosphere

• The tone is gentle, immersive, and meditative, intended to guide listeners to a state of relaxation and restful sleep.
• Sensory imagery, tranquil soundscapes, and soft invitations to imagine aid in cultivating a feeling of comfort and wonder.

Summary for New Listeners

In this enchanting episode, Get Sleepy brings the splendor and mystery of the Colossus of Rhodes to life. Whether you seek to learn, meditate, or drift off to sleep, you'll find a unique blend of historic storytelling, gentle guidance, and dreamy escapism. The story honors both the genius of ancient engineers and artists and the timeless human impulse to create, celebrate, and be filled with awe.