The Colossus of Rhodes

The Greek military hero Darios arrives on the island of Rhodes to visit his uncle Lissipu. This occurs during a time when Rhodes has recently completed constructing a colossal statue of Helios and is considering forming an alliance with Phoenicia hostile to Greece.

While in Rhodes, Darios flirts with Diala, the daughter of Carete who masterminded the Colossus. Their interaction introduces a personal subplot amidst the political and military tensions on the island.

Darios becomes involved with Peliocles and his rebel group aiming to overthrow the tyrannical King Serse. The rebels oppose Serse's influence and plot to free Rhodes from his rule, creating a tense state of conflict on the island.

Serse’s second-in-command, Thar, secretly smuggles Phoenician soldiers into Rhodes as slaves and occupies the Colossus to facilitate the Phoenician fleet’s access, deepening the political intrigue and threat to Rhodes.

The rebels decide to request help from Greece, planning to use Darios as a messenger since he is suspected of being a spy and is prohibited from leaving Rhodes. Their plan is risky but critical for their cause.

While attempting to leave the harbor secretly, Darios and other rebels are foiled by the Colossus’s defenses and are arrested, marking a setback for the rebellion and leading to Darios’s conviction as a conspirator.

Just before execution, the rebels manage a daring breakout from their captivity, seeking to continue their plan to control the Colossus and defend Rhodes from invasion by the Phoenician fleet.

Diala betrays Darios to Thar, leading to nearly the annihilation of the rebels. Thar executes a coup, killing Serse and his loyal retainers, as the rebellion is pushed to the brink of collapse.

As the rebels launch their last assault on the Colossus, an earthquake and violent storm strike Rhodes, causing the colossal statue to topple into the harbor. Thar’s forces are scattered and slain during the chaos.

Diala, filled with remorse for her betrayal, frees Darios but is killed by falling debris during the earthquake. The Colossus crashes into the harbor, symbolizing the collapse of the tension and chaos on Rhodes.

In the aftermath, Darios and Mirte meet outside the ruined city. Darios chooses to stay on Rhodes, marrying Mirte and working to restore peace, marking a new beginning for the island.