Due to its strategic position, being at the crossroads between East and West, Rhodes has been under constant attacks and domination since the early years. The first settlers of the island came from Asia and some evidence of a Mycenaean settlement has been found, while they were succeeded by the Dorians. In 500 BC Rhodes was already a powerful force. There were also many temples and buildings such as the Acropolis of Rhodes built at this time. Due to its strategic position, Rhodes was conquered by Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Persians and Saracens. The history of Rhodes, however, was mainly marked by the occupation by the Venetians, with the Knights building some of the most impressive castles and palaces that survive to this day, such as the Palace of the Grand Master, the Castle of Monolithos and the Medieval Castle of Kritinia. In 1523, after a long siege, the Ottomans took control of the island, who remained in Rhodes until 1912. During World WarI, Rhodes was occupied by the Italians until 1943. The Italians contributed to the development of the island, with the renovation of important sites and the construction of fine buildings, such as the National Theatre of the city. Moving on to the most modern history, in 1947 Rhodes and all the Dodecanese islands joined the Greek State.