One of the grandest structures of the ancient world could be reborn

Until an earthquake in 226 BCE knocked it down, the Colossus of Rhodes, a 98-foot-high iron and bronze statue of the Greek god Helios, sat near the harbor of Rhodes, Greece, for 54 years.

Now a plan put forth by a small team of scientists seeks to rebuild the ancient statue and boost tourism and local jobs in the process.

A museum inside the statue would display ancient Greek treasures currently stored away.

The plan calls for a new statue that’s way taller than the ancient one. At 400 feet tall, the new Helios would be nearly four times the height of the original. The proposal also includes an interior library, museum, cultural center, exhibition hall, and, of course, a crowning lighthouse that’s visible for 35 miles.

One obvious change to the new structure is that it would use modern construction techniques and technology to make it earthquake-proof. The exterior would be completely covered in golden solar panels, making it entirely self-sufficient, which is appropriate for the Greek god of the sun.

A view of the statue’s lighthouse, which would glow for up to 35 miles.

It’s estimated that the project can be completed in three to four years at a cost of 240 to 260 millions euros ($264 to $286 million). Funding is expected to come from cultural institutions and international crowdfunding.

A museum and library are among the interior plans for the statue.

In addition to renewing and extending Greece’s tourism season, the statue’s construction would bring much-needed jobs. Whether this will all come together depends on how much support and money the team behind the plan can raise. No construction dates have been released.

This time, the statue will be earthquake-proof.