Gelon of Syracuse
Gelon of Syracuse was a prominent figure in ancient Sicily, known for his rise from bodyguard to the ruler of Syracuse in the early 5th century BCE. Originally a trusted military leader under Hippocrates, the ruler of Gela, Gelon seized power following Hippocrates' death and expanded his influence by conquering key territories. By 485 BCE, he had established control over Syracuse, which became a thriving center of power under his governance. Gelon forged strategic alliances, including his marriage to Theron of Acragas’s daughter, Damarete, which bolstered his military and political standing. His reign was marked by significant military accomplishments, notably the successful defense against Carthaginian forces at the Battle of Himera in 480 BCE. Gelon’s leadership contributed to a golden age for Syracuse, characterized by increased population, public works, and overall prosperity. Upon his death around 478 BCE, his brother Hieron I succeeded him, continuing the legacy of Gelon's impactful rule in Sicily.
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Gelon of Syracuse
Related civilization: Classical Greece
Major role/position: Tyrant of Syracuse
Life
Gelon (JEE-lahn) of Syracuse, son of Deinomenes, rose to prominence as bodyguard and then master of the cavalry for Hippocrates, ruler of the city of Gela on the island of Sicily roughly 498 to 491 b.c.e. Hippocrates steadily built a small empire, and when he died, Gelon snatched the monarchy from Hippocrates’ heirs. Gelon continued to build power through alliance and conquest, culminating in control of Sicily’s grand prize, the city of Syracuse in 485 b.c.e. Gelon governed Syracuse himself and handed over Gela to his brother Hieron. He maintained an alliance with another tyrant, Theron of Acragas, which included marrying Theron’s daughter Damarete. Gelon commanded the largest military force in Greece and therefore caught the attention of the Carthaginians. When Xerxes I led Persian troops against mainland Greece, Gelon could provide only limited assistance because the Carthaginian general Hamilcar attacked Sicily itself. In conjunction with Theron, Gelon repelled the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera, reportedly at the same time as the Greeks overwhelmed the Persian attack at Salamis in 480 b.c.e. Upon Gelon’s death in about 478, his brother ruled Syracuse as Hieron I.
Influence
Gelon increased the power and prestige of Sicily, and his reign was later considered a golden age. He especially enhanced the city of Syracuse with an increased population, public works, and prosperity.
Bibliography
Finley, M. I. A History of Sicily. Vol. 1. London: Chatto & Windus, 1968.