The Siege of Tyre in 332 BC lasted from January to July as Alexander the Great attempted to conquer the walled island city of Tyre, which had withstood every previous siege. When Tyrian diplomats murdered Alexander's envoys and refused his requests to sacrifice in their temple, Alexander began building a mole across the 1km of sea to the city. After months of fighting, Alexander took the city, killing over 8,000 Tyrians and selling 30,000 into slavery as described in primary sources, though sparing those who took shelter in temples.