Map Description

Historical Map of ancient Tyre 332 BC.


Illustrating

• Present coastline
• Harbor of Sidon
• Wall
• Causeway built by Alexander
• Harbor of Egypt
• Tyre (ruins)
• Island of Hercules (now submerged)

Alexander besieged Tyre in 332 BCE to deny the Persian navy a key base, secure his coastal supply lines, and respond to Tyre’s refusal to surrender.


In more detail:

In his campaign against the Persian Empire, Alexander needed to neutralize the Persian navy in the Mediterranean, 1. to secure his rear and avoid a threat to his homeland, 2. to secure his supply and communication lines.

The Persian navy primarily operated out of the following Persian-friendly harbors: the ones in Cyprus and Egypt, but also out of the main harbors of Phoenicia, i.e. Tyre (modern Sur in southern Lebanon), Sidon (modern Saida in Lebanon), Byblos (modern Jbeil in Lebanon), Tripolis (modern Tripoli in northern Lebanon), Aradus (modern Arwad, an island off the coast of Syria).


How was Phoenicia tied to the Persians?

Phoenicia became a vassal to Persia in 539 BC, when Cyrus the Great, the king and founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, took Babylon. Babylon controlled Phoenicia, and when Babylon fell to Persia, Phoenicia was transferred to Persian rule.

Now, the Phoenicians fell vassals to the Persian empire, but they brought something to the table: they were excellent seafarers. Thus the Persians let them enjoy relative autonomy as long as they were providing significant naval support as tribute.


To put the Siege of Tyre into chronological context:

In 333 BC, Alexander had won the Battle of Issus. Consequently, the cities of Byblon and Sidon pledged allegiance to Macedon. Tyre refused and hence the Siege of Tyre took place from January 332 BC to July/August 332 BC.

Credits

Hammond Inc. Maplewood N.J.

Related Links

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