Liberation of Rhodes

The Liberation of Rhodes was a war begun in 490 AVC by decree of the Senate with the objective of annexing the Island of Rhodes.

The War


The legislative session of 490 AVC had resulted in a Senate bill requiring the Archon, Meleager Omirid, to first demand tribute from Rhodes, and if they refused, then to annex Rhodes. Rhodes rejected the proposal for tribute, believing themselves to be protected by their large navy. Overall leadership in the war was awarded to the Strategos Zenodoros Pytheid. Under his brilliant leadership, Rhodes was quickly conquered.

However, after winning the war against Rhodes, Zenodoros began a revolt using his 2nd Army to declare independence from Crete. Angered by this betrayal, Meleager appointed the ex-Archon Phocas Alectid Strategos, to lead the Army against the traitors. While loading the men on the ships, Phocas died leaving the Army leaderless at a critical time. Meleager stepped into the void, and led the Army against Zenodos and achieving perhaps his most lasting victory.

After the war, Rhodes became an integral part of the Cretan Republic and remains so to this day.