Siege of Tyre! 332BC

(“mole”)

Tyre Tyre consisted of two parts- The old city, on the coast of the main land, and the new city, an island off the coast.

Why tyre? Alexander wanted Tyre as a base for one main reason: So that Darius couldn’t have it. Tyre was an important base for Darius as it was close who Asia Minor. Because Alexander had just conquered Asia Minor he seen it necessary to also thwart Darius of his naval base as well. Alexander could then use Tyre to watch over his newly conquered states.

On the island When Alexander approached the island, they sent envoys welcoming him! Alexander was advised to test the Tyrians loyalty so he asked to sacrifice to Heracles. The Tyrians explained nicely that only the King could sacrifice on the island.. Alexander was NOT happy!

Beginning of a siege Alexander prepared for a siege, but the Tyrians were confident. They had thick, high walls surrounding their island, 45m high in some places, along with 800m of water from the old city where Alexander resided.

Failure One Alexander had (what he thought was) a cunning plan He began to construct a mole (‘like a bridge’), out of earth, going from one island to the next. To protect the workers, who were being harassed, Alexander ordered the construction of two 45m towers.. Which were burnt down!

Failure Two Enraged, Alex told the workers to build a wider mole to accommodate more towers, along with more war engines. Just when they thought they were in the clear.. They found that the Tyrians had dropped huge rocks in the way of their bridge! This again increased the amount of time that it was taking to get to the island                

Failure Three Frustrated, Alex began to have the rocks removed, only to find that Tyrian divers had cut the cables of the moored boats that were sent to clear the rocks! By this stage, Alex was peed off!

Attack Eventually the mole reached the island and war boats surrounded Tyre. Alexander managed to push through on the south side. Macedonians streamed onto the island and began to massacre its inhabitants.

Treatment of the Tyrians City destroyed 30,000 sold into slavery Was this fair? Yes. The Tyrians had slaughtered Macedonians in front of their friends. Also this harsh treatment was part of everyday life in an ancient civilization. Macedonian used Tyre as an example to all other who though of rebelling.

By Jordyn and charlotte