The absorption (scattering depletion) spectrum and Raman spectra for $Rh$₂ in an argon matrix prepared by the mass selected ion deposition technique have been obtained. The absorption spectrum in the visible region shows a single broad transition centered near 495 nm. Resonance Raman spectra obtained by exciting with 8 visible lines (457.9 - 514.5 nm) of an argon ion laser give a single, sharp progression with up to four Stokes transitions. These data give w_e = 283.9 (18) $cm-1$with w_ec_e = 1.83 (33) $cm-1$, leading to an experimental dissociation energy of 1.4 ± 0.3 eV. The Raman results are discussed in the context of previous theoretical predictions for the dimer.