CHAPTER IX.
(335-332 B. C.)
AZELMIC,
THE LAST OF THE TYRIAN MONARCHS.
REVIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF TYRUS,
AT
THE INVASION OF ASIA BY ALEXANDER OF MACEDON.
THE INVESTMENT OF TYRUS, &c.
We have now to investigate and delineate the most remarkable Siege in ancient record,—not remarkable from its duration of time, but from its important consequences,—the ingenuity employed in its final success,—the courage of the attack and defence,—and from the demoniac horrors and cruelties practised by the Conqueror upon its eventful termination. The destruction of Jerusalem by Titus was 400 years after this total annihilation of Tyrus as a Nation,—and, therefore, to the period of which we are now writing, Alexander's Siege of Tyrus stands unequalled for courageous assault, heroic resistance, and for refined cruelty practised upon the defeated. Upon this great National event is founded the essential basis of this History,—it is the absolute commencement of the Annals of Ancient America. Isaiah, Plutarch, and Arrian are our authorities,—the description of the Invasion and the Siege,—however humble the delineation, is our own;—we mention this, that in case it should fail to reach the full imagination of the reader, that the demerits may fall upon the right party,—or should it be the reverse, there may then be an inclination to render the opposite tribute of justice—not to the writer,—but to the reader,—that from the horrors of War, he may turn with a Christian's feeling to contemplate the Divine blessings of Peace,—and as a consequence, practical good-will and deeds to all men.
It will be necessary to present a review of the political and commercial position of Tyrus at the time that Alexander of Macedon (at the age of 20!) commenced his victorious march from his throne in Europe, through the great capitals of Asia and Africa. 336—5 B. C.