The Italian restoration in Rhodes
November 24, 2024
The Rise and Fall of Byzantine Rhodes
December 5, 2024Table of Contents
Introduction
The moat of Rhodes wasn’t filled with water—but with fear. Stretching around the medieval city, this dry trench was one of the most effective and brutal defensive elements designed by the Knights of Saint John.
More than just a barrier, it was a killing ground, a trap, and a statement of military genius. The moat of Rhodes was not merely a line of separation; it was a weapon in its own right.
Engineering a Killing Zone
The moat of Rhodes extends for approximately 2.5 kilometers around the Old Town, forming a deep crescent-shaped trench flanked by towering fortifications. Its walls reach up to 20 meters in height, while the width often spans more than 20 meters, depending on the section.
The depth and slope were calculated to trap invading forces while exposing them to constant fire from above. Built using both local topography and manmade cuts, it was not simply a trench but a deadly funnel. Every approach was covered by crossfire, with multiple angles of attack defended simultaneously.
A Dry Moat with Wet Consequences
Unlike other European castles, the moat of Rhodes was never filled with water. This was a conscious tactical decision: a dry moat made it easier for the defenders to launch counterattacks and discouraged the use of rafts or siege towers.
The bottom of the moat often included smaller inner ditches and sharp obstacles, slowing enemy movement. Rather than serving as a passive defense, it became an active killing zone. Siege engines lost effectiveness in such uneven terrain, forcing attackers into vulnerable formations.
The Moat in Times of Siege
During the two major sieges of 1480 and 1522, the moat of Rhodes played a critical role. Ottoman forces suffered massive losses trying to breach the walls, often becoming trapped in the trench under heavy fire. Defenders poured boiling oil, fired arrows, and dropped stones from above.
Some parts of the moat featured false paths or camouflaged drop-offs, designed to disorient and isolate enemy soldiers. Despite overwhelming numbers, the moat delayed advances long enough to allow internal reinforcements and counteroffensives.
A Walk Through the Past
Today, the moat of Rhodes is one of the few examples of medieval dry moats preserved in such excellent condition. Visitors can walk along its floor and trace the curve of the walls, imagining the desperation and chaos that once echoed through its stones.
Once a place of ambush and agony, it now serves as a scenic cultural route. Events and festivals sometimes use the space, breathing new life into a space once defined by death.
Conclusion
The moat of Rhodes remains a haunting symbol of medieval warfare and brilliant fortification strategy. It stood between the invader and the heart of the island, claiming lives to preserve a way of life. Though grass has softened its floor and silence has replaced the clash of arms, the moat of Rhodes continues to tell a story of resistance, survival, and ingenious design.
The above article is based on the book ‘Ρόδος’ authored by Theofanis Bogiannos. The article is published with his permission.
