Tyre

Hiram, King of Tyre is often heard in our Masonic stories, one question that often comes to mind is, "Where is Tyre?"

Hiram, King of Tyre is said to have strengthened and supported King Solomon in his effort to construct the Temple at Jerusalem.  this can be found in Biblical passages, 2 Samuel 5:11 and 1 Kings 5:1-10.  It is written in 1 Kings 5:1-10 that "  Hiram, King of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon ... "

So we know by the Bible that there was a connection between King Solomon of Israel and Hyram, King of Tyre, but the question remains for many newly made Masons, "Where is Tyre?"

In present day, the City of Tyre is on the southern shores of Lebanon about 50 miles south of Beirut.  Historically, in the time of our Masonic stories, it was a Phoenician City.  The Phoenicians were an ancient seafaring trade culture which occupies the coastal areas of present day Lebanon, Syria and Israel.  Politically, it was set up much like Ancient Greece where it was made up of independently governed City States, of which Tyre was the southern most city.

So ..... now you know!