The Siege of Tyre

Basic Facts

January to July of 332 B.C.

Tyre held 40,000 people (approx)

Alexander attempted to conquer through Diplomacy

Tyre is about 1km off shore.

60m walls Had withstood every

siege before Alexander.

Primary Sources

Quintus Curtius Rufus 6,000 fighting men killed 30,000 citizens sold into slavery 2,000 crucified on the beach

Arrian Massacred 8,000 Tyrians 30,000 citizens sold into slavery

Alexander's Religion and Rules of Engagement

Alexander asked to sacrifice at the temple of Melkat.

A god he identified with Herakles. He was refused twice and his messengers

were murdered and thrown over the city walls.

Tyrians additionally executed captured soldiers in view of the attacking army.

Anyone taking shelter in the temple was spared.