RHODES (RoDI), the most easterly island of the Aegean sea, about to m. S. of Cape Alypo in Asia Minor (length about 45 m. from north-east to south-west, greatest breadth 22 m., area about 542 sq.m.). It was taken by Italy from the Turks in 1912 and is now capital of the administration of Dodecanese (q.v.). The population of the island in 1932 was 56,322.
The island is diversified in its surface and is traversed from north to south by an elevated mountain range, the highest point of which is called Atairo (anc. Atabyris or Atabyrium) (4,560 ft.).
It commands a view of the elevated coast of Asia Minor towards the north, and of the archipelago, studded with its numerous islands, on the north-west; while on the south-west is seen Mount Ida in Crete, often veiled in clouds, and on the south and south east the vast expanse of waters which wash the African shore. The rest pf the island is occupied in great part by ranges of moderately elevated hills, on which are found extensive woods of ancient pines, planted by the hand of nature. These forests were formerly very thick, but they were subsequently greatly thinned by the Turks, who cut them down and took no care to plant others in their place. Beneath these hills the surface of the island falls lower, and several hills in the form of amphi theatres extend their bases as far as the sea, forming a series of beautiful pictures.
Rhodes has been famed at all times for its delightful climate. The winds blow from the west, often with violence, for nine months in the year ; at other times, from the north, moderating the summer heats, except during July and August, when hot winds blow from the mainland.
Rhodes, in addition to its fine climate, is blessed with a fertile soil, and produces a variety of the finest fruits and vegetables. Around the villages are extensive cultivated fields and orchards containing fig, pomegranate and orange trees. On the sloping hills carob trees, and others, both useful and agreeable, still grow abundantly; the vine also holds its place, and produces a species of wine which was highly valued by the ancients, though it seems to have degenerated greatly in modern times ; a strong red wine is still exported. The valleys afford rich pastures, and the
plains produce every species of grain.
Under Turkish rule Rhodes was a distributing centre for European manufactures to the neighbouring islands and mainland, receiving cattle, foodstuffs and other produce in return. Under Italian rule its commercial position has changed and is still un certain. Italian, French and Greek steamships call frequently, and tourists are becoming more numerous.
The only town is the capital, Rhodes, at the north-east extrem ity, rising from the sea in the form of an amphitheatre, sur rounded with walls and towers and defended by a moated castle. These are the work of the Knights of St. John, almost unimpaired. But few traces remain of the splendour of the ancient city, with its regular streets, well-ordered plan and numerous public build ings. The modern city of Rhodes is in general the work of the Knights of St. John and has altogether a mediaeval aspect. The picturesque fortifications also by which the city is surrounded remain almost unaltered as they were in the fifteenth century. Principal buildings are the church of St. John, now the prin cipal mosque ; the hospital, transformed into a museum; the palace of the grand master; and the senate-house. The pictur esque Street of the Knights is perfectly straight, formed of old houses, on which remain armorial bearings of members of the order, including those of royal and noble houses of Europe.
Relics of classical antiquity, inscribed altars, bases of statues and architectural fragments are found in court-yards and gardens in the suburbs, the whole of which were within the limits of the ancient city. The foundations also of the moles between the harbours are of Hellenic work, though the superstructures were erected by the Knights.