Hieron II of Syracuse
Hieron II of Syracuse was a prominent yet often overlooked figure in Mediterranean antiquity, known for his complex character that blended ruthlessness with generosity. Initially a military captain, he gained control of Syracuse's army and established himself as king by eliminating mutinous mercenaries and rallying support from his fellow citizens. Although he started with a pro-Carthaginian stance, Hieron adeptly shifted his allegiances to Rome, recognizing its growing dominance. His strategic partnership with Rome during the first two Punic Wars was pivotal, yet he maintained a cunning effort to aid neighboring cities, including Carthage, to balance power in the region.
Hieron's reign was marked by significant contributions to the fortification and cultural enrichment of Syracuse, turning it into a major city-state. He notably enlisted the help of the mathematician Archimedes to enhance the city’s defenses through innovative mechanics. Despite his critical role in the historical narratives of Rome, as documented by ancient historians like Polybius and Livy, Hieron II remains a relatively obscure figure today, reflecting the complexities and shifting alliances of ancient political landscapes.
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Hieron II of Syracuse
Related civilizations: Republican Rome, Hellenistic Greece, Carthage
Major role/position: Statesman
Life
Ruthless but magnanimous, ambitious but generous, a warrior with a love of mathematics, poetry, and sculpture, Hieron II (HI-uh-rahn) of Syracuse is one of the least known but most remarkable figures of Mediterranean antiquity. After gaining control of the Syracusan army, Hieron set out to rule Syracuse independently of the two great powers of the day—Carthage and Rome. He began by ridding his army of mutinous mercenaries. He led the army to battle, then pulled back the citizens and let the mercenaries be slaughtered. He organized a new army out of his grateful countrymen, who raised him from military captain to the undisputed kingship of Syracuse.
Although originally friendly to Carthage, Hieron shrewdly switched alliances when he realized that Rome would become the region’s most important power. Although he remained steadfastly allied with Rome during the first two Punic Wars (264-247 b.c.e., 218-201 b.c.e.), he secretly aided neighboring cities (including even Carthage) in an attempt to prevent Rome from completely dominating the Mediterranean. Called to Rome to explain his actions, Hieron responded by bringing 200,000 bushels of corn for the people, which won their hearts and forced the Roman senate to send him home unscathed.
During his long reign, Hieron fortified, enriched, and beautified Syracuse, making it into one of the great city-states of the ancient Mediterranean. To improve his city’s defenses, he persuaded Archimedes to turn from pure geometry to mechanics, out of which came the famous mathematician’s system of pulleys and levers as well as his discovery of how to weigh objects using water displacement.
Influence
Although Hieron is almost forgotten today, his alliance with Rome was critical to that city’s ultimate triumph over Carthage. For that reason, he has played a significant role in some of the most important accounts of Rome, including those of Polybius, Livy, Plutarch, Justin, and Niccolò Machiavelli.
Bibliography
Hoyos, B. D. Unplanned Wars: The Origins of the First and Second Punic Wars. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1998.
Kincaid, C. A. Successors of Alexander the Great. Chicago: Argonaut, 1969.