Historically Rhodes had been a crucial geographical position. Through the ages conquerors were continuously trying to dominate the island. Tribes from all over the world wanted to conquer Rhodes because of its perfect spot in the Aegean, which was ideal for trade. From 300 B.C to 1948, when Rhodes joined the Greek Nation, numerous battles took place on the island, but two of them stood out and played the most important role in the island’s long history.

Let’s go back in the Middle Ages when the island was inhabited and protected by the Order of the Knights Hospitaller also known as the Knights of Rhodes. In 1480, Ottomans (west Asia) had the first expedition to rule the island, but their superior army lost the battle. The reason was the flawless strategy of the Knights and the huge walls of the current “Old Town” which slowed down the Ottomans. After days of fighting with lots of casualties, Ottomans decided to retreat. Later, that proved to be only the beginning…

Ottomans lost the battle but not the war.
For years they were planning an even bigger attack and while being led by Sultan Suleiman, they organized a second attempt to conquer the island on 26 June 1522. They arrived with 400 ships and an army of 100,000 soldiers, manpower way greater than the knights who were only 6,000 along with some help from the locals. The war went on for months but eventually the Knights lost ground as 90% of their army fell on the battle along with the Latin and Greek inhabitants of Rhodes. They soon agreed to surrender and accept Suleiman’s offer to abandon the island with anything they could carry on the ships. That was the end of the knights’ stay in Rhodes as after the battle they fled to Malta to continue their legacy.

Middle Ages surely were tough. Now you have the opportunity to relive the medieval action with all of your senses. In our interactive 9D movie cinema you can feel the history of Rhodes rolling in front of your eyes! Travel through the centuries and feel the rain, the fire, the cannon shakes, the strong winds and even the smells of those eras! Only in Throne Of Helios, the first and only 9D Entertaining Center in Europe!