Battle of the Granicus
On Alexander's way to Persia, he stopped at Troy. Afterwards he visited Ilium, at the Granicus River, near the Sea of Marmara. It was around May or June 334, where he confronted his first Persian army which was led by three governors. (John Popovic)
To meet the invader, the Persians had an army in Asia Minor, which was larger than Alexanders., He wasn't only outnumbered but, what was more serious was the Persians had control of the Aegean, so Alexander could communicate with his base only by the narrow line of the Hellespont. The strategy of the Persians was to draw Alexander after them, while avoiding a battle, which was urged upon them by their war-colleague the Rhodian Memnon. But, the Persians never listed to them and Alexander found them waiting for him on the banks of the river Granicus. Memnon. The general of the Greek mercenaries in the Persian army, suggested that the Persians avoid facing Alexander in open fields and to move the combat to the Balkans. The Persians again did not listen, and felt their forces were superior to Alexander's. They turned out to be wrong and the battle was won by the Macedonians. (John Popovic)
Granicus, May 334 BC
Alexander's first battle, beside the river Granicus, was started with initial Persian positivity. The Persian plan to tempt Alexander across the river and kill him in the battle almost succeeded; but the Persian line broke, and Alexander's victory was complete. It was a cavalry fight, where the common code of honor caused Macedonian and Persian chiefs to engage hand to hand combat. At the end of the day the remainder of the Persia army was escaping. This victory opened western Asia Minor to the Macedonians, and most cities opened their gates. The tyrants of Asia were kicked out, and in exchange the Macedonian policy of democracies in Europe, was installed in Asia.. Alexander confirmed his Macedonian policy. He sent 300 panoplies (sets of armor, taken at the Granicus) as an offering dedicated to Athena at Athens by
"Alexander the son of Philip, and the Hellens, except the Lacedaemonians (Spartans), won these from the barbarians who inhabit Asia."
Alexander could now achieve the first part of the task of him to become supreme commander of the Asia and Greece like wanted for so long. He first went to take possession of the old Lydian capital,2 Sardis, the headquarters of the Persian government on this side of the Taurus, and the strong city surrendered without a blow. The cities remained the same under Alexander. He became Calasas satrap (ruler) of Hellespontine and Phrygia. This was his first step to succeed as the Great King of Persia. (John Popovic)
When the city of Miletus refused to open its gates, even though it was encouraged by most of the Persian fleet, Alexander took it by assault; without a maritime battle. He got rid of his expensive navy and decided to defeat the Persian fleet on land by occupying the coastal cities. In Caria, Halicarnassus resisted and was destroyed. (John Popovic)
Memnon and Persian leaders took refuge in different fortresses and cities. During this, Memnon has abandoned Miletus for an attack on Lesbos and Chios, and he has unexpectedly died in unexplained conditions. Finally, Alexander captured Ionia and was welcomed in Sardis, and he had managed to conquer Cappadocia and Phrygia as well. The Persian navy curiously renounced from capturing mainland Greece and cutting Alexander's contact with home. (John Popovic)
Alexander's first battle, beside the river Granicus, was started with initial Persian positivity. The Persian plan to tempt Alexander across the river and kill him in the battle almost succeeded; but the Persian line broke, and Alexander's victory was complete. It was a cavalry fight, where the common code of honor caused Macedonian and Persian chiefs to engage hand to hand combat. At the end of the day the remainder of the Persia army was escaping. This victory opened western Asia Minor to the Macedonians, and most cities opened their gates. The tyrants of Asia were kicked out, and in exchange the Macedonian policy of democracies in Europe, was installed in Asia.. Alexander confirmed his Macedonian policy. He sent 300 panoplies (sets of armor, taken at the Granicus) as an offering dedicated to Athena at Athens by
"Alexander the son of Philip, and the Hellens, except the Lacedaemonians (Spartans), won these from the barbarians who inhabit Asia."
Alexander could now achieve the first part of the task of him to become supreme commander of the Asia and Greece like wanted for so long. He first went to take possession of the old Lydian capital,2 Sardis, the headquarters of the Persian government on this side of the Taurus, and the strong city surrendered without a blow. The cities remained the same under Alexander. He became Calasas satrap (ruler) of Hellespontine and Phrygia. This was his first step to succeed as the Great King of Persia. (John Popovic)
When the city of Miletus refused to open its gates, even though it was encouraged by most of the Persian fleet, Alexander took it by assault; without a maritime battle. He got rid of his expensive navy and decided to defeat the Persian fleet on land by occupying the coastal cities. In Caria, Halicarnassus resisted and was destroyed. (John Popovic)
Memnon and Persian leaders took refuge in different fortresses and cities. During this, Memnon has abandoned Miletus for an attack on Lesbos and Chios, and he has unexpectedly died in unexplained conditions. Finally, Alexander captured Ionia and was welcomed in Sardis, and he had managed to conquer Cappadocia and Phrygia as well. The Persian navy curiously renounced from capturing mainland Greece and cutting Alexander's contact with home. (John Popovic)
Siege of Halicarnassus
Halicarnassus had been fortified in the mid-fourth century by the ruler of Caria. When Alexander the Great tried to capture the town in the autumn of 334, it turned out to be a very difficult siege because the walls were in great condition, and prepared for a war with catapults, which had just recently been invented. (Jona Lendering)
Also, the Persian garrison was commanded by an excellent general, the Greek mercenary leader Memnon of Rhodes. He was one of the best generals in the army of the Achaemenid king Darius III Codomannus. The garrison also prepared surprise attacks. One of these was, during one of Alexander's attacks on the northern wall, enemy soldiers rushed forward from the Myndus gate and attacked the Macedonian right flank. Luckily for Alexander, the discipline of the veterans in Alexander's army prevented a catastrophe. (Jona Lendering)
The most important reason for Alexander's lack of success was the fact that the Macedonians did not have a navy, where the Persians could reinforce Halicarnassus whenever they wanted. Starving the city was impossible, and Alexander must soon have regretted his decision to attack the city. Basically, he was storming walls that he could not storm without the loss of his soldiers' lives, against an enemy that could reinforce itself easily, and could leave the city when it thought it needed to. (Jona Lendering)
However, the Macedonians were able to take the town after an attack through the valley on the right hand side of the city. The acropolis and the lower city were captured, and this was presented as sufficient victory to move on. One problem was the citadel, which was located on the island held out for more than a year. Alexander must have known that his gains could only be called a victory in a technical sense of the word. But, he had lost several months and knew that the Persians were learning of his plans. Now the Persians were raising an army in the east, their navy could not be blocked from entering the Aegean Sea. (Jona Lendering)
Also, the Persian garrison was commanded by an excellent general, the Greek mercenary leader Memnon of Rhodes. He was one of the best generals in the army of the Achaemenid king Darius III Codomannus. The garrison also prepared surprise attacks. One of these was, during one of Alexander's attacks on the northern wall, enemy soldiers rushed forward from the Myndus gate and attacked the Macedonian right flank. Luckily for Alexander, the discipline of the veterans in Alexander's army prevented a catastrophe. (Jona Lendering)
The most important reason for Alexander's lack of success was the fact that the Macedonians did not have a navy, where the Persians could reinforce Halicarnassus whenever they wanted. Starving the city was impossible, and Alexander must soon have regretted his decision to attack the city. Basically, he was storming walls that he could not storm without the loss of his soldiers' lives, against an enemy that could reinforce itself easily, and could leave the city when it thought it needed to. (Jona Lendering)
However, the Macedonians were able to take the town after an attack through the valley on the right hand side of the city. The acropolis and the lower city were captured, and this was presented as sufficient victory to move on. One problem was the citadel, which was located on the island held out for more than a year. Alexander must have known that his gains could only be called a victory in a technical sense of the word. But, he had lost several months and knew that the Persians were learning of his plans. Now the Persians were raising an army in the east, their navy could not be blocked from entering the Aegean Sea. (Jona Lendering)
Siege of Miletus
The Siege of Miletus was Alexander the Great's first naval fight with the Achaemenid Empire. They were led by Darius III. This was the first battle between the two great leaders. This small siege was fought against the inhabitants of Miletus, a city in southern Ionia, in Caria, which is now located in the Aydin province of modern-day Turkey. It was captured in 334 BC. (J Rickard)
Battle of Issus
The Battle of Issus took place on November 5th, 333 BCE. It was Alexander the Great's second battle against the Persian army and the first direct battle between him and King Darius III. It took place near the village of Issus in modern-day Southern Turkey. It was a major victory for Alexander, he defeated the Persian army and caused Darius III to run away from the battlefield. (John Popovic)
After the death of his father and his rise to the throne, Alexander’s first job was to pursue his father’s dream, which was the conquest of the Persian Empire. He used the excuse that he was seeking revenge for the invasion of Greece by Darius I and Xerxes. Alexander crossed the Hellespont river into Asia Minor. As he moved farther south he defeated the Persian forces at Granicus, Halicarnassus, Miletus, and at many other small battles. His next major meeting would be at Issus. This battle would be the first of two battles between Alexander the Great and King Darius III. Both go these would end in the defeat of the Persian forces. (John Popovic)
When Alexander learned of Darius’ stay in a small town outside of Issus, he swiftly moved south from Gordium, through the Cilician Gates, and finally to the port town of Issus. Even though the battle would be further south on a narrow plain between the Mediterranean Sea and the Amanus Mountains, Issus served as a base camp for Alexander’s army. It was here that he left his wounded and sick soldiers to recover. Later, when Darius marched his troops to battle Alexander at the River Penarus, the Persian king stopped at the Greek base camp. At his camp, he tortured and executed the healing Macedonian soldiers, if he let them live, he would cut of their right hand, or he would kill them. This serves as more of an incentive for Alexander’s army to defeat the Persians. (John Popovic)
Focusing on his meeting with Alexander, Darius moved north from Babylon to an place east of the Issus River. Historian Ruth Sheppard estimated Darius III had on army between 300,00 and 600,00 Persians. He also had 30,000 Greek mercenaries based off her ancient sources. Darius considered waiting there for Alexander, but he changed his mind hoping that he could separate Alexander from his base at Issus. This would isolate Alexander. Alexander had traveled south from Issus toward Syria, but after hearing the presence of Darius at Issus, he turned back around. Darius moved further south into a narrow strip of land west of the Amanus. This placed his forces at a disadvantage. The two armies met at the River Penarus, where the weather was cold and rainy. The area provided a slight advantage for Alexander because it reduced Darius' mobility, but also let Alexander spread his own troops all over the place. (John Popovic)
Plutarch, in his The Life of Alexander the Great, spoke of this advantage and the victory it would soon bring when he said:
"Fortune was not kinder to Alexander in the choice of ground, than he was careful to improve it to his advantage. For being much inferior in numbers, so far from allowing himself to be outflanked, he stretched his right wing much further out than the left wing of his enemies, and fighting there himself in the very foremost ranks, put the barbarians to flight."
After the death of his father and his rise to the throne, Alexander’s first job was to pursue his father’s dream, which was the conquest of the Persian Empire. He used the excuse that he was seeking revenge for the invasion of Greece by Darius I and Xerxes. Alexander crossed the Hellespont river into Asia Minor. As he moved farther south he defeated the Persian forces at Granicus, Halicarnassus, Miletus, and at many other small battles. His next major meeting would be at Issus. This battle would be the first of two battles between Alexander the Great and King Darius III. Both go these would end in the defeat of the Persian forces. (John Popovic)
When Alexander learned of Darius’ stay in a small town outside of Issus, he swiftly moved south from Gordium, through the Cilician Gates, and finally to the port town of Issus. Even though the battle would be further south on a narrow plain between the Mediterranean Sea and the Amanus Mountains, Issus served as a base camp for Alexander’s army. It was here that he left his wounded and sick soldiers to recover. Later, when Darius marched his troops to battle Alexander at the River Penarus, the Persian king stopped at the Greek base camp. At his camp, he tortured and executed the healing Macedonian soldiers, if he let them live, he would cut of their right hand, or he would kill them. This serves as more of an incentive for Alexander’s army to defeat the Persians. (John Popovic)
Focusing on his meeting with Alexander, Darius moved north from Babylon to an place east of the Issus River. Historian Ruth Sheppard estimated Darius III had on army between 300,00 and 600,00 Persians. He also had 30,000 Greek mercenaries based off her ancient sources. Darius considered waiting there for Alexander, but he changed his mind hoping that he could separate Alexander from his base at Issus. This would isolate Alexander. Alexander had traveled south from Issus toward Syria, but after hearing the presence of Darius at Issus, he turned back around. Darius moved further south into a narrow strip of land west of the Amanus. This placed his forces at a disadvantage. The two armies met at the River Penarus, where the weather was cold and rainy. The area provided a slight advantage for Alexander because it reduced Darius' mobility, but also let Alexander spread his own troops all over the place. (John Popovic)
Plutarch, in his The Life of Alexander the Great, spoke of this advantage and the victory it would soon bring when he said:
"Fortune was not kinder to Alexander in the choice of ground, than he was careful to improve it to his advantage. For being much inferior in numbers, so far from allowing himself to be outflanked, he stretched his right wing much further out than the left wing of his enemies, and fighting there himself in the very foremost ranks, put the barbarians to flight."
Unfortunately for Darius, he ignored the advice of one of his trusted Greek generals, Charidamus. He told Darius to divide his forces and allow him (Charidamus) to fight alone against Alexander. Darius didn't listen to Charidamus. Most people think he did this because his ego and prestige. He could not let one of his Greek generals kill his arch-enemy. After being ignored, Charidamus got angry and made the mistake and said some mean things about Persians. Darius, who spoke Greek heard his comments, got offended and immediately had his general executed. Many people now consider this unwise because Charidamus was Darius’s best generals. (John Popovic)
The whole battle did not go well for Darius. Although he had the advantage in numbers, he and his men were very quickly fighting defensively, and were unable to move and maneuver as they would have liked. Darius’s left flank was at a disadvantage by the river valley, mountains on his left, and the sea on his right. (John Popovic)
Alexander, was completely opposite, he was able to use his trusted and successful phalanx formation. His right flank extended to the mountains and his left flank extended to the sea. He had three battalions on the right and four battalions to the left. He had huge amount of foot soldiers in the middle. After seeing Alexander’s formation, Darius moved his cavalry to attack Alexander’s right. He hoped to break through his right flank. Although he was slowed down by the river bank and stockades put-up by Darius, Alexander and his ompanion cavalry moved quickly through Darius’s left flank. Darius attempted to drive Alexander back across the Pinarus, but it failed. Historian Arrian in his The Campaigns of Alexander said:
"Darius’ Greeks fought to thrust the Macedonians back into the water and save the day for their left wing, in their turn, with Alexander’s triumph plan before their eyes, were determined to equal his success and not forfeit the proud title of invincible, hitherto universally bestowed upon them." (John Popovic)
Alexander and his forces turned toward the center of the Persian army, where he spotted Darius. Darius’s brother Oxathres attempted to block Alexander’s charge, but he failed. Darius fled the battle on his chariot at first and then on horseback. Although he had a serious thigh wound, Alexander chased after him until night, but never could catch him. Back at the fight, Alexander’s left flank, was having problems with Darius’s right. But, when the Persian forces saw their leader run, they ran, too. Many were trampled to death while they all tried to escape at once. At the end of the battle, the Persians had lost 100,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 cavalry while Alexander only lost 1,200. The Persians left so quickly that they left a lot of goods for Alexander and his men. Plutarch said:
"…Darius’s tent, which was full of splendid furniture and qualities of gold and silver, they (his soldiers) reserved for Alexander himself, who, after he had put off his arms, went to bathe himself saying, ‘Let us now cleanse ourselves from the toils of war in the bath of Darius." (John Popovic)
There was more than gold and silver, left behind. Darius’ mother, wife, and two daughters were found in his tent, but Alexander promised them that they wouldn't be harmed. Plutarch wrote:
"… (Alexander) let them know Darius was not dead, and that they need not fear any harm from Alexander, who made war upon him only for dominion; they should themselves be provided with everything they had been used to receive from Darius." (John Popovic)
At Issus, Alexander's men rewarded themselves richly with Persian loot. Darius' women at Issus were frightened. At best they could expect to become the concubine of a high status Greek. Alexander reassured them. He told them not only was Darius still alive, but they would be kept safe and honored. Alexander kept his word and has been honored for this treatment of the women in Darius' family. (John Popovic)
The whole battle did not go well for Darius. Although he had the advantage in numbers, he and his men were very quickly fighting defensively, and were unable to move and maneuver as they would have liked. Darius’s left flank was at a disadvantage by the river valley, mountains on his left, and the sea on his right. (John Popovic)
Alexander, was completely opposite, he was able to use his trusted and successful phalanx formation. His right flank extended to the mountains and his left flank extended to the sea. He had three battalions on the right and four battalions to the left. He had huge amount of foot soldiers in the middle. After seeing Alexander’s formation, Darius moved his cavalry to attack Alexander’s right. He hoped to break through his right flank. Although he was slowed down by the river bank and stockades put-up by Darius, Alexander and his ompanion cavalry moved quickly through Darius’s left flank. Darius attempted to drive Alexander back across the Pinarus, but it failed. Historian Arrian in his The Campaigns of Alexander said:
"Darius’ Greeks fought to thrust the Macedonians back into the water and save the day for their left wing, in their turn, with Alexander’s triumph plan before their eyes, were determined to equal his success and not forfeit the proud title of invincible, hitherto universally bestowed upon them." (John Popovic)
Alexander and his forces turned toward the center of the Persian army, where he spotted Darius. Darius’s brother Oxathres attempted to block Alexander’s charge, but he failed. Darius fled the battle on his chariot at first and then on horseback. Although he had a serious thigh wound, Alexander chased after him until night, but never could catch him. Back at the fight, Alexander’s left flank, was having problems with Darius’s right. But, when the Persian forces saw their leader run, they ran, too. Many were trampled to death while they all tried to escape at once. At the end of the battle, the Persians had lost 100,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 cavalry while Alexander only lost 1,200. The Persians left so quickly that they left a lot of goods for Alexander and his men. Plutarch said:
"…Darius’s tent, which was full of splendid furniture and qualities of gold and silver, they (his soldiers) reserved for Alexander himself, who, after he had put off his arms, went to bathe himself saying, ‘Let us now cleanse ourselves from the toils of war in the bath of Darius." (John Popovic)
There was more than gold and silver, left behind. Darius’ mother, wife, and two daughters were found in his tent, but Alexander promised them that they wouldn't be harmed. Plutarch wrote:
"… (Alexander) let them know Darius was not dead, and that they need not fear any harm from Alexander, who made war upon him only for dominion; they should themselves be provided with everything they had been used to receive from Darius." (John Popovic)
At Issus, Alexander's men rewarded themselves richly with Persian loot. Darius' women at Issus were frightened. At best they could expect to become the concubine of a high status Greek. Alexander reassured them. He told them not only was Darius still alive, but they would be kept safe and honored. Alexander kept his word and has been honored for this treatment of the women in Darius' family. (John Popovic)
Siege of Tyre
After defeating Darius III at the battle of Issus , Alexander marched his army of about 35,000-40,000 soldiers into Phoenicia, where he forced the surrender of Byblus and Sidon. Representatives from Tyre met with Alexander while he was marching. They disgusted their intent to honor Alexander's wishes. (John Popovic)
Alexander's request was very simple, he wanted to make a sacrifice to Heracles in Tyre. The Tyrian's knew this as a Macedonian trick, so they could occupy their city and refused. They instead said Alexander was welcome to sacrifice to Heracles in the old Tyre. Old Tyre held no strategic or war importance, it was defenseless and the Tyrian navy was in the harbors of new Tyre. (John Popovic)
To Alexander, the Tyrians refusal to let Alexander make a sacrifice in Tyre was basically a declaration of war. Even though Alexander was a very fearful opponent, the Tyrians had many reasons to be confident. They had a powerful navy and mercenary army, also, their city was about half a mile offshore. According historian Arrian, the walls facing the land were 150 ft tall. The defences of Tyre were impressive and had won many other sieges before this one. The Tyrians began started preparing and evacuated most of the women and children. (John Popovic)
Alexander knew about Tyre's strength and durability, so he created a council of war. He explained to his generals the importance of conquering all Phoenician cities before going on to Egypt. Tyre was a defensive strength for the Persian fleet and could not be left behind in case they threaten Alexander from behind. In one final attempt to prevent a long and exhausting siege, he send heralds to Tyre demanding their surrender. But, the Macedonian's were killed and their bodies thrown into the sea. (John Popovic)
Opening moves of the siege
When negotiations failed, Alexander started his operations in January 332 BC. After staying in old Tyre, he began to build a causeway (or mole) across the channel towards the walls of Tyre. He used rocks, timbers, and rubble taken from the buildings in the old city. At first, work was going good, the water near the mainland was shallow and the bottom was muddy. But, as the causeway got longer, the Macedonians and Greeks began to run into some situations. The seafloor shelved near the city, it was a depth of 18 ft. Work slowed incredibly. Also the people working were getting missiles fired at them from the city walls. (John Popovic)
Alexander build two siege towers from timber and positioned them at the end of the causeway. They built artillery engines at the top of the towers that were able to return fire at the walls. The workers built timber palisades for even more protection. Work kept going, and Alexander spent a lot of his time working on the mole. He gave small gifts of money to his sweating laborers and lead by personal example. (John Popovic)
Then, the Tyrians started their first major defensive action of the siege. They used an old horse transport ship and filled it to the brim with combustible materials. They slung double yardarms from the mast to hooked cauldrons filled with a explosive oil. The stern of the ship was weighted to raise the bows free of the water. They drove the explosive ship straight into the mole. (John Popovic)
The crews lit all of the materials on board and then jumped off and swam to safety. The end of the mole became a fire storm as the ship burnt, and let the two towers on fire. A bunch of Tyrians in small boats rowed out from the city and landed on different spots of the causeway. They fought the invaders as they quickly tried to put out the flames. The siege engines were burnt and the palisades on the edge of the mole were destroyed. (John Popovic)
Alexander's request was very simple, he wanted to make a sacrifice to Heracles in Tyre. The Tyrian's knew this as a Macedonian trick, so they could occupy their city and refused. They instead said Alexander was welcome to sacrifice to Heracles in the old Tyre. Old Tyre held no strategic or war importance, it was defenseless and the Tyrian navy was in the harbors of new Tyre. (John Popovic)
To Alexander, the Tyrians refusal to let Alexander make a sacrifice in Tyre was basically a declaration of war. Even though Alexander was a very fearful opponent, the Tyrians had many reasons to be confident. They had a powerful navy and mercenary army, also, their city was about half a mile offshore. According historian Arrian, the walls facing the land were 150 ft tall. The defences of Tyre were impressive and had won many other sieges before this one. The Tyrians began started preparing and evacuated most of the women and children. (John Popovic)
Alexander knew about Tyre's strength and durability, so he created a council of war. He explained to his generals the importance of conquering all Phoenician cities before going on to Egypt. Tyre was a defensive strength for the Persian fleet and could not be left behind in case they threaten Alexander from behind. In one final attempt to prevent a long and exhausting siege, he send heralds to Tyre demanding their surrender. But, the Macedonian's were killed and their bodies thrown into the sea. (John Popovic)
Opening moves of the siege
When negotiations failed, Alexander started his operations in January 332 BC. After staying in old Tyre, he began to build a causeway (or mole) across the channel towards the walls of Tyre. He used rocks, timbers, and rubble taken from the buildings in the old city. At first, work was going good, the water near the mainland was shallow and the bottom was muddy. But, as the causeway got longer, the Macedonians and Greeks began to run into some situations. The seafloor shelved near the city, it was a depth of 18 ft. Work slowed incredibly. Also the people working were getting missiles fired at them from the city walls. (John Popovic)
Alexander build two siege towers from timber and positioned them at the end of the causeway. They built artillery engines at the top of the towers that were able to return fire at the walls. The workers built timber palisades for even more protection. Work kept going, and Alexander spent a lot of his time working on the mole. He gave small gifts of money to his sweating laborers and lead by personal example. (John Popovic)
Then, the Tyrians started their first major defensive action of the siege. They used an old horse transport ship and filled it to the brim with combustible materials. They slung double yardarms from the mast to hooked cauldrons filled with a explosive oil. The stern of the ship was weighted to raise the bows free of the water. They drove the explosive ship straight into the mole. (John Popovic)
The crews lit all of the materials on board and then jumped off and swam to safety. The end of the mole became a fire storm as the ship burnt, and let the two towers on fire. A bunch of Tyrians in small boats rowed out from the city and landed on different spots of the causeway. They fought the invaders as they quickly tried to put out the flames. The siege engines were burnt and the palisades on the edge of the mole were destroyed. (John Popovic)
Alexander musters his fleet
The attack was a huge success for the Tyrians, but they were fighting Alexander the Great, who now ordered the causeway to be widened and more towers to be built. Realizing that the Tyrians were better at naval warfare was important for taking Tyre. Alexander temporarily left the siege and left for Sidon to get his own ships. He also got ships from Byblus, Aradus, Rhodes, Lycia, Cilicia and Macedon. The Kings of Cyprus sent another 120 ships to Sidon. After gathering all these ships, Alexander had roughly 220 ships. (John Popovic)
While waiting for his new ships to come, Alexander spent 10 days inland, working on minor missions in Arabian territory. When he came back, he was happy to see the arrival of Cleander (Macedonian General), who he had sent back to Greece to recruit soldiers, with 4,000 mercenaries. (John Popovic)
Wasting no more time, Alexander sailed to Tyre. His flagship was on the right of his fleet, and when he was within view of Tyre the fleet stopped and held position. This allowed the Tyrians to see the full impact of their new ships. The Tyrians were completely surprised. They had no idea until that moment that Alexander's fleet had grown so much in size. They were now incredibly outnumbered, and the help from Carthage never happened. (John Popovic)
Now with the Tyrians backs against the wall, a naval fight was out of the question. Now, all the Tyrians could do was block the entrances to their two harbors. They floated a boom (temporary bridge) across the the southern harbor, and moored Triremes (Greek Vessels) in line across the entrance of the northern harbor. (John Popovic)
Alexander tested the strength of their counter with an attack on the north harbor. Where 3 Tyrian ships were rammed head-on and sunk, but he did not launch an all-out attack. Instead, he ordered his Cyprian allies to block the northern harbor, and the Phoenician ships to maintain a watch at the southern end of the island. Siege engines were put on top of the mole. (John Popovic)
Alexander was not able to get his ships close to the city itself because the Tyrians had been hurling huge rocks into the sea beneath the walls. The siege now entered its most hard working and risky phase. (John Popovic)
Alexander's ships tied up some of the boulders and towed them away from the walls. So, the Tyrians covered some of their ships in armor, they plated and set out to cut the anchor cables Alexander's ships. Alexander armored some of his own ships and used them as a barrier in front of his siege ships. But, Tyrian divers kept cutting the cables of the anchored ships. Alexander finally solved the problem by replacing the rope cables chain cable. More boulders were tied up from the causeway and pulled clear with cranes. (John Popovic)
Throughout all of these different missions, both sides fought in a bitter and lengthy artillery duel. The Tyrians poured buckets of blazing hot sand over the walls onto Alexander's ships. Carried by the wind, it set ships ablaze and got through clothing and armor. It reduced men to burnt, blistered pain. Even though this was quite effective, it didn't make the defenders like the overtakers. (John Popovic)
Realizing that they were in serious danger, the Tyrians spread sails across the mouth of the northern harbor, which concealed and prepared an attack. Thirteen ships were manned with the best oarsmen the Tyrians had. In the heat of the mediterranean afternoon they quietly rowed out of the harbor in a single file line. Most of the Macedonian ships blocking the northern harbor had less men and the Tyrians were able to totally surprise them. They had a tenacious battle. Two Macedonian ships were sunk and many more got separated and scattered. (John Popovic)
Alexander got on a ship and personally led the counterattack with 5 large ships and whatever smaller ships were ready for battle. While sailing around Tyre, he attacked the Tyrian fleet of boats, who instantly broke off their fight and fled to the northern harbor. Many Tyrian ships were damaged and two ships were captured during the crazy events of their quarrel. Most of the Tyrians jumped out of their boats and managed to swim ashore to the safety of the city. (John Popovic)
The Final Assault
Alexander had now brought his ships right under the walls and began to beat them with battering rams. Greek teams at the north end of the island attempted to make a hole but couldn't do it. A small hole was made in the southern defense, but a Macedonian attack across the causeway ended in small casualties and failure. (John Popovic)
Alexander waited for three more days before resuming his attack. While decoy attacks kept the defenders attention, two ships with bridging equipment approached the southern hole. Alexander himself was in command of this force, which was made up mostly of elite shield carriers and leaders. The Macedonians were able to force their way onto the wall. Admetus, commander of the shield carriers, was the first man onto the island and was killed by a spear as he commanded his men forward. Besides that, the fight was a huge success, and soon the Macedonians were flooding into the city itself, killing and looting every Tyrian they could find. After this first breach was forced, Alexanders command was getting bigger and bigger as more and more Greeks and Macedonians succeeded in getting into the city from many different locations, including the harbors. (John Popovic)
The surviving Tyrians fell back to the Agenorium. (an old fortress in the northern sector of the city), but only were able to hold out for a short time before they were killed. The invaders were victorious. And, after a lengthy and pesky siege, they were not going to be merciful. For months they had been going through tiring labor, had been bothered by artillery and archery, and watched the death of their captured comrades on the city walls. Six thousand Tyrians were killed when the city was taken, and another 2,000 crucified on the beach. 30,000 more were sold into slavery. The only few spared were the King and his family. In all, the Macedonians lost 400 fighters. (John Popovic)
With the siege finally over, Alexander made his sacrifice to Heracles, and hosted a torch race and victorious celebration through the streets of the city. Finally, with Tyre under his control, Alexander could turn his attention to subduing Gaza and Egypt. (John Popovic)
The attack was a huge success for the Tyrians, but they were fighting Alexander the Great, who now ordered the causeway to be widened and more towers to be built. Realizing that the Tyrians were better at naval warfare was important for taking Tyre. Alexander temporarily left the siege and left for Sidon to get his own ships. He also got ships from Byblus, Aradus, Rhodes, Lycia, Cilicia and Macedon. The Kings of Cyprus sent another 120 ships to Sidon. After gathering all these ships, Alexander had roughly 220 ships. (John Popovic)
While waiting for his new ships to come, Alexander spent 10 days inland, working on minor missions in Arabian territory. When he came back, he was happy to see the arrival of Cleander (Macedonian General), who he had sent back to Greece to recruit soldiers, with 4,000 mercenaries. (John Popovic)
Wasting no more time, Alexander sailed to Tyre. His flagship was on the right of his fleet, and when he was within view of Tyre the fleet stopped and held position. This allowed the Tyrians to see the full impact of their new ships. The Tyrians were completely surprised. They had no idea until that moment that Alexander's fleet had grown so much in size. They were now incredibly outnumbered, and the help from Carthage never happened. (John Popovic)
Now with the Tyrians backs against the wall, a naval fight was out of the question. Now, all the Tyrians could do was block the entrances to their two harbors. They floated a boom (temporary bridge) across the the southern harbor, and moored Triremes (Greek Vessels) in line across the entrance of the northern harbor. (John Popovic)
Alexander tested the strength of their counter with an attack on the north harbor. Where 3 Tyrian ships were rammed head-on and sunk, but he did not launch an all-out attack. Instead, he ordered his Cyprian allies to block the northern harbor, and the Phoenician ships to maintain a watch at the southern end of the island. Siege engines were put on top of the mole. (John Popovic)
Alexander was not able to get his ships close to the city itself because the Tyrians had been hurling huge rocks into the sea beneath the walls. The siege now entered its most hard working and risky phase. (John Popovic)
Alexander's ships tied up some of the boulders and towed them away from the walls. So, the Tyrians covered some of their ships in armor, they plated and set out to cut the anchor cables Alexander's ships. Alexander armored some of his own ships and used them as a barrier in front of his siege ships. But, Tyrian divers kept cutting the cables of the anchored ships. Alexander finally solved the problem by replacing the rope cables chain cable. More boulders were tied up from the causeway and pulled clear with cranes. (John Popovic)
Throughout all of these different missions, both sides fought in a bitter and lengthy artillery duel. The Tyrians poured buckets of blazing hot sand over the walls onto Alexander's ships. Carried by the wind, it set ships ablaze and got through clothing and armor. It reduced men to burnt, blistered pain. Even though this was quite effective, it didn't make the defenders like the overtakers. (John Popovic)
Realizing that they were in serious danger, the Tyrians spread sails across the mouth of the northern harbor, which concealed and prepared an attack. Thirteen ships were manned with the best oarsmen the Tyrians had. In the heat of the mediterranean afternoon they quietly rowed out of the harbor in a single file line. Most of the Macedonian ships blocking the northern harbor had less men and the Tyrians were able to totally surprise them. They had a tenacious battle. Two Macedonian ships were sunk and many more got separated and scattered. (John Popovic)
Alexander got on a ship and personally led the counterattack with 5 large ships and whatever smaller ships were ready for battle. While sailing around Tyre, he attacked the Tyrian fleet of boats, who instantly broke off their fight and fled to the northern harbor. Many Tyrian ships were damaged and two ships were captured during the crazy events of their quarrel. Most of the Tyrians jumped out of their boats and managed to swim ashore to the safety of the city. (John Popovic)
The Final Assault
Alexander had now brought his ships right under the walls and began to beat them with battering rams. Greek teams at the north end of the island attempted to make a hole but couldn't do it. A small hole was made in the southern defense, but a Macedonian attack across the causeway ended in small casualties and failure. (John Popovic)
Alexander waited for three more days before resuming his attack. While decoy attacks kept the defenders attention, two ships with bridging equipment approached the southern hole. Alexander himself was in command of this force, which was made up mostly of elite shield carriers and leaders. The Macedonians were able to force their way onto the wall. Admetus, commander of the shield carriers, was the first man onto the island and was killed by a spear as he commanded his men forward. Besides that, the fight was a huge success, and soon the Macedonians were flooding into the city itself, killing and looting every Tyrian they could find. After this first breach was forced, Alexanders command was getting bigger and bigger as more and more Greeks and Macedonians succeeded in getting into the city from many different locations, including the harbors. (John Popovic)
The surviving Tyrians fell back to the Agenorium. (an old fortress in the northern sector of the city), but only were able to hold out for a short time before they were killed. The invaders were victorious. And, after a lengthy and pesky siege, they were not going to be merciful. For months they had been going through tiring labor, had been bothered by artillery and archery, and watched the death of their captured comrades on the city walls. Six thousand Tyrians were killed when the city was taken, and another 2,000 crucified on the beach. 30,000 more were sold into slavery. The only few spared were the King and his family. In all, the Macedonians lost 400 fighters. (John Popovic)
With the siege finally over, Alexander made his sacrifice to Heracles, and hosted a torch race and victorious celebration through the streets of the city. Finally, with Tyre under his control, Alexander could turn his attention to subduing Gaza and Egypt. (John Popovic)