But the monarch's vast ambition was not to be satisfied
by the erection of massive walls and costly edifices. The fire of war and
the love of conquest were not yet quenched in his soul. He had a strong
passion for the din of battle.
Tyre was a strong and opulent city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria.
It was one of the most celebrated maritime cities of antiquity, and
remarkable for its power and grandeur. Hitherto, it had never been
subject to any foreign power. It was built by the Sidonians, two hundred
and forty years before the Temple of Jerusalem. For Sidon being taken by
the Philistines of Askelon, many of its inhabitants made their escape in
ships, and founded the city of Tyre; and for this reason we find it
called in Isaiah, the "Daughter of Sidon." But the daughter soon
surpassed the mother in grandeur, riches, and power.
Toward this proud city of Syria, the King of Babylon, in the twenty-first
year of his reign, led his conquering legions, with full confidence of a
speedy surrender.
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