DEFECTION OF THE PHENICIAN CITIES. 133 met by a deputation from Tyre, composed of the most eminent men in the city, and headed by the son of the Tyrisr, prince Azemilchus, who was himself absent comimanding the Tyrian contingent in the Persian fleet. These men brought large pres- ents and supplies for the Macedonian army, together with a golden wreath of honor ; announcing formally that the Tyrians were prepared to do whatever Alexander commanded.^ In re- ply, he commended the dispositions of the city, accepted the jires- ents, and desired the deputation to communicate at home, that he wished to enter Tyre and offer sacrifice to Herakles. The Phe- nician god Melkart was supposed identical with the Grecian Herakles, and was thus ancestor of the Macedonian kings. His temple at Tyre was of the most venerable antiquity ; moreover the injunction, to sacrifice there, is said to have been conveyed to Alexander in an oracle.^ The Tyrians at home, after dehb- erating on this message, sent out an answer declining to comply, and intimating that they would not admit within their walls either Macedonians or Persians ; but that as to all other points, they would obey Alexander's orders.^ They added that his wish to sacrifice to Herakles might be accomplished without entering their city, since there was in Palietyrus (on the mainland over against the islet of Tyre, separated from it only by the narrow strait) a temple of that god yet more ancient and venerable than their own.* Incensed at this qualified adhesion, in which he took note only of the point refused, — Alexander dismissed the envoys with angry menaces, and immediately resolved on taking Tyro by force.^ ^ Arrian, ii. 15, 9. uc kyvuKoruv Tvpicjv rrpuaasiv, u,ti uv iizayyi'kTj 'AAt'^- av6poQ. Compare Curtius, iv. 2, 3.
- Curtius (wtsu/^rc) adds these motives: Arrian asserts nothing beyond
the simple request. The statement of Curtius represents what is likely to have been the real fact and real feelrng of Alexander. It is certainly true that Curtius overloads his narrative with rhetor- ical and dramatic amplification ; but it is not less true that Arrian falls into the opposite extreme — squeezing out his narrative until little is left beyond the dry skeleton. =* Arrian, ii. 16, 11.
- Curtius, iv. 2, 4 ; Justin, xi. 10. This item, both prudent and pro-
bable, in the reply of the Tyrians, is not noticed by Arrian.
- Arrian, ii. 16, 11. roi'f ulv trpeafteig Trpof bpyyv okIcu uti 'Keftif/ev,
vor.. xiT. 12
