How much do you know about Tyre?
#1 Tyre dates back to 2,750 B.C.
Tyre was one of the two leading city-states in Phoenicia and is among the world’s 20 oldest cities.
#2 Tyre is also one of the 11 Phoenician cities and towns that are still inhabited.
#3 UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 1984
Tyre is indeed a city with a rich history and important archeological remains.
#4 The Phoenicians of Tyre invented the purple dye
That’s why it is also known as Tyrian purple. The color was discovered in Tyre in 1570 BC. The Phoenicians also made an indigo dye, which is referred to as royal blue. The Romans used it to color ceremonial robes.
#5 Tyre was directly associated with the exploration of the seas
Tyre’s navigators founded prosperous trading centers as far away as the western Mediterranean.
#6 The city became a Roman province in 64 BC, but it kept much of its independence.
#7 This ancient city is home to great ruins that speak of Tyre’s past glory
From the Roman Arch of Triumph, and the remains of an arena, to the harbor, and even a sarcophagus.
#8 The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is an important sanctuary for wildlife.
It is a nesting site for migratory birds and the endangered Loggerheads and green sea turtles.
#9 The original island city had two harbors, which enabled it to gain great maritime power
The harbor on the north side of the island was one of the best ports on the eastern end of the Mediterranean.
#10 Modern Tyre is a combination of history and culture
Its colorful alleys add life to the ancient city. While visiting, make sure to see the historic ruins, take a stroll in the old souk, and take a dip in the sea!
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Historic Lebanese City of Tyre.
Get to know the Phoenician Cities in Lebanon.
