Tyre, situated approximately 50 miles south of Beirut, was founded by Phoenician settlers in the third millennium B.C. From its foundation, the city functioned as a critical trading hub and commercial port and, consequently, was the frequent target of military campaigns from neighboring empires in the region. (...)
Tyre, situated approximately 50 miles south of Beirut, was founded by Phoenician settlers in the third millennium B.C. From its foundation, the city functioned as a critical trading hub and commercial port and, consequently, was the frequent target of military campaigns from neighboring empires in the region. Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Crusaders, and Turks all attempted to colonize the city, with varying degrees of success. For much of its early history, Tyre was split into two co-dependent centers: the principal settlement, a wealthy maritime hub, occupied a highly fortified island, while a satellite community on the mainland provided necessary water and timber. Tyrian traders founded colonies throughout the Mediterranean, reputedly venturing as far west as Cadiz, and settling areas of North Africa and Greece. The city weathered an occupation by the Mameluks in the thirteenth century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire until its dissolution following the First World War. When the modern nation of Lebanon was formed, Tyre fell within its borders.
