In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great sets out to conquer Tyre, a strategic coastal base in the war between the Greeks and the Persians.

Unable to storm the city, he blockades Tyre for seven months, but Tyre holds on.

Alexander uses the debris of the abandoned mainland city to build a causeway and once within reach of the city walls, he uses his siege engines to batter and finally breach the fortifications.

It is said that Alexander is so enraged at the Tyrians' defense and the loss of his men that he destroys half the city.

According to Arrian the Tyrian losses are about 8,000, while the Macedonians lose 400.

Alexander grants pardon to the king and his family, while the 30,000 residents and foreigners taken are sold into slavery.