What is…
Rhodes

also known as: Ρόδος, Ródos, Rodi (Italian), Rodos (Turkish), Rodi, Rodes, Helias, Telchinis, Lindos

Greek: Ρόδος —meaning: rose (in ancient Greek)

This is an island to the south of the western extremity of Asia Minor, between Coos (Cos, Kos) and Patara, about 46 miles long and 18 miles broad. It is said to be the 9th largest Mediterranean Sea island. The main city is also called Rhodes. Inhabitants are called Rhodians.

The island’s patron god was the radiant crowned Helios (the false god who personifies the Sun). The ruins of the Temple of Apollo (Apollon) are still visible at the island’s Acropolis.

It is located northeast of Crete and southeast of Athens.

Here the Apostle Paul probably landed on his way from Greece to Syria (Acts 21:1), on returning from his third missionary journey.

Now when we had parted from them and had set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; —Acts 21:1 LSB

In ancient times, the island was known to have many snakes.