The origin of the name of Rhodes that has prevailed is mainly associated with the rose, the sacred flower of the sun god. The plant may have been different in antiquity because the rose as we know it nowadays is a product of successive intersections. Judging by the shape of the flower as it is depicted in ancient Rhodian coins, the ancient name givers of the island were probably inspired by the rose bud or the pomegranate, as it is claimed by some researchers. Moreover, according to ancient writers, Rhodes occasionally had acquired other names, referring to the vegetation, the shape, the climate as well as other properties of the island.
Aethria, “Cloudless” for its nice climate.
Anemoessa, “Windy”, due to the strong northern winds in the summer and the equally strong northeastern winds in winter.
Apollonia, due to the worship of the Sun god Helios-Apollo. It is likely that Helios was initially worshipped as an autonomous deity but after the Dorian invasion, the god was merged or combined into the worship of Apollo.
Asteria, “Starry”, due to the clear sky of the island during the night where the stars can be clearly seen.
Atavyria, due to the name of Atavyros, the highest mountain on the island.
Corymbia, due to an extensive number of corymbs. “Corymb” is a form of inflorescence in which the flowers form a flattopped or convex cluster, the outermost flowers being the first so the name may imply that the island had many ships.
Elafousa, due to the numerous small size deer that live on the island. “Elafos” means deer.
Helias, due to the abundant sunlight all year round.
Macaria, due to the name Macar, the son of god Helios.
Omvria, due to the heavy rain at winter time which may cause disastrous floods. “Omvros” means “rain” in ancient Greek.
Ophiousa, due to the many snakes that live on the island. “Ophis” means “snake” in ancient Greek.
Pelagia, due to the myth of the emersion of the island from the sea.
Telchinis, due to the name of the oldest inhabitants of the island.
Trinacria, due to the geographical shape of the island. It refers to the three capes of Rhodes. The name “Trinacria” also referred to Sicily.
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