The statue stood for only about half a century before being toppled by an earthquake in 225 or 226 BC, leaving it in ruins for the next 800 years. In the 7th century, after Arabian forces conquered Rhodes, the remaining bronze was melted down and sold as scrap. According to legend, it took around 900 camels to transport the metal away.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Read on for extraordinary ancient Egyptian finds from recent times

The lost Seven Wonders of the Ancient World brought back to life