The statue was built to commemorate the victory of Rhodes over the invading forces of Demetrios Poliorketes (Besieger of Many Cities), son of Antigonus. Rhodes was aided in its defense by Ptolemy, a former general of Alexander the Great. Since Ptolemy associated with the sun god (Helios to the Greeks; Ra to the Egyptians), the portrayal of the sun god in the Colossus's form was an especially remarkable tribute to the general.