The most famous was Pliny, a Roman writer travelling the Greek islands, who claimed in the first century A.D. that it took both his arms to clasp just the thumb of the Colossus. After some years of deliberation, details of the reconstruction were announced late last year by the Mayor of Rhodes, George Gianopoulos. This is not the first attempt at reconstruction. However, the Delphic oracle opposed the idea, pronouncing that worse evils might follow. Today, rather than the oracle, it is the Rhodes town council that had to be consulted, and it voted unanimously to proceed with the project, a task that is today perceived as far from irksome.
Initial backers are a group of benefactors based in Greece, the United States, and Europe.
Plans are still embryonic. The exact positioning is uncertain. International architects, sculptors and engineers are being invited to submit their designs, considering but not imposing the historical accounts available. Since the statue in ancient times was dedicated to the Sun-God, the new structure is to symbolise peace and cooperation. One of the features of the planned statue is that it will constantly emit light, not only at night but also in the form of an eternal flame.