Why did they build it?
Well, first of all the people of Rhodes (a city) supported the egyptian Ptoelomy. He would later become King of Egypt. It made Demetrius mad and sent his son Antigos to attack. He brought 40 000 men, more than all of Rhodes. Rhodes was protected by a wall, so they were victorius. Antigos ran with his troops leaving behinds tons of equipment. Rhodes decided to sell it and build a statue of Helios, the Sun God for helping them win. This statue was called Collosus.
What Happened to it?
50 years after it was built, there was an earthquake. Colossus snapped at its knees. The people of Rhodes wanted to rebuild it but an oracle said not to because Helios was "angry" at them. So, the people of Rhodes left the pieces there. Hundred's of years later raiders stole the bronze, took it to Syria, and melted it into money.
