Early in the sixth century BC, Nebuchadnezzar II, king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, laid siege to the walled city for thirteen years.

Tyre stood firm, but it was probable that at this time the residents of the mainland city abandoned it for the safety of the island.

Alexander the Great, in 332 BC, set out to conquer this strategic coastal city during the war between the Greeks and the Persians.

So enraged at the Tyrians' defense and the number of men lost in the battle, Alexander destroyed half of the city.

The Romans built great important monuments in the city, including an aqueduct, a triumphal arch and the largest hippodrome in antiquity.

This was a time when Tyre was adorned with fountains and its bazaar were full of different kinds of merchandise including carpets and jewelry of gold and silver.

After about 180 years of Crusader rule, the Mamluk Sultanate retook the city in 1291, until it fell under the control of the Ottoman Empire at the start of the 16th century.

The old ruins show its Phoenician past, but problems like city growth, stealing, and pollution made it hard to keep them safe.

The 2024 Conflict: During the Israel–Hamas war the district suffered from the Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah, using the villages as launch sites.

[3][4] In October 2024, Tyre was hit by heavy Israeli airstrikes, causing big damage to the city center.

[5] Latest reports published during December 2024, note that the Israeli army keeps demolishing houses within the Tyre district.