#Ep43 - Um dos primeiros castelos construídos pelos cavaleiros!

Summary

In this episode, viewers are taken on a historical journey through Rhodes, Greece, exploring its medieval city and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhodes Old Town. Highlights include the Grand Master's Palace, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the fortifications built by the Knights Hospitaller. The program delves into the rich history of the island, from the Byzantine era through the Knights' rule to Ottoman influences. Featuring captivating insights, it also touches on ancient Greek art, archaeological discoveries, and the preservation of historical landmarks, leaving audiences with a deeper appreciation for Rhodes’ cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The medieval city of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its rich history and well-preserved structures.
• 😀 The Grand Master's Palace in Rhodes was originally a Byzantine citadel, later turned into a fort by the Knights Hospitaller in 1309.
• 😀 The walls of Rhodes were designed with diagonal slants to minimize damage during bombings, showcasing medieval defensive architecture.
• 😀 The Knights Hospitaller, originally monks, were tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land and later became a military order.
• 😀 Rhodes city walls and buildings maintain their medieval character, with modifications from various historical periods not disturbing the overall historical integrity.
• 😀 The Grand Master's Palace suffered damage in 1481 due to an earthquake but was later repaired and turned into a royal residence by the Italians.
• 😀 In 1994, archaeologists uncovered valuable historical artifacts that had been discarded by the Italians during their restoration efforts.
• 😀 The Knights Hospitaller had a significant influence on the architecture of Rhodes, and their fortresses can also be found in other Mediterranean locations.
• 😀 Rhodes' role in history includes being part of the Crusades, with its walls and fortifications standing as a testament to its past military importance.
• 😀 Many mosaics in Rhodes were salvaged from Roman-era homes and depict geometric patterns, animals, and occasionally human figures, reflecting early Christian art.
• 😀 The restoration of Rhodes' medieval city by the Italians in the early 20th century was crucial in preserving its historical buildings, including the Grand Master's Palace.

Q & A

Why is the Medieval City of Rhodes considered historically significant?

The Medieval City of Rhodes is one of the only inhabited medieval cities in Europe and has preserved its urban layout, fortifications, and architectural character. In 1988, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional historical layers and well-preserved medieval structure.

Who were the Knights of Saint John and what role did they play in Rhodes?

The Knights of Saint John, also known as the Hospitallers, were a Catholic military and religious order originally formed to assist Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. After being expelled from other territories, they conquered Rhodes in 1309–1311 and ruled the island until 1522, transforming it into a fortified stronghold.

Why were the fortifications of Rhodes built with diagonal and sloped walls?

The walls were designed with diagonal lines and sloped surfaces (known as scarps) to minimize damage from cannon fire and bombardments. This defensive architectural strategy reduced the impact of explosions and improved the city’s protection.

What was the original purpose of the Palace of the Grand Master?

The Palace of the Grand Master was originally a Byzantine citadel built in the late 7th century. After the Knights Hospitaller took control of Rhodes, they converted it into their administrative headquarters, palace, and fortress in the 14th century.

How did the Ottoman Empire influence the city after conquering Rhodes?

After capturing Rhodes in 1522, the Ottomans preserved much of the medieval city rather than destroying it. They added refined architectural elements such as mosques, including the Mosque of Suleiman, and other public buildings, enriching the city’s cultural layers.

What happened to the Palace of the Grand Master before World War II?

The palace had fallen into decay until Italian authorities restored it a few years before World War II. They transformed it into a holiday residence for Italian royalty and dictator Benito Mussolini during their occupation of the Dodecanese Islands.

What significant archaeological discovery was made in 1994?

In 1994, archaeologists discovered that historically valuable artifacts had been discarded and reused as construction materials during the Italian restoration works. This revelation raised concerns about the authenticity of some restoration efforts.

What is notable about the mosaics displayed in the palace?

Many mosaics in the palace were transported from other locations and originally belonged to early Christian churches or Roman houses. Early Christian mosaics typically featured geometric, animal, and plant motifs rather than human figures.

How does ancient Greek art reflect anatomical study according to the guide?

The guide explains that ancient Greek artists studied the human body extensively, achieving highly realistic representations of adult men and women. However, children were often depicted as miniature adults rather than anatomically accurate figures with childlike proportions.

What role did Rhodes’ fortifications play during sieges?

The fortifications successfully withstood a six-month siege defended by approximately 650 Knights of Saint John. Their advanced defensive design demonstrated the military expertise of the order.

What historical explosion affected the palace site?

A major explosion occurred when a gunpowder storage area (magazine) beneath the palace detonated, destroying much of the structure and a nearby church. The church was later reconstructed with new materials.

How does the script connect mosaics to ancient Greek social change?

The guide references the orator Demosthenes, who criticized wealthy Athenians in the 4th century BC for displaying luxury in their homes. This aligns with archaeological evidence showing that decorative mosaics became more common in private residences during that period.