Theron of Acragas
Theron of Acragas was a significant political figure who ruled the city of Acragas on the island of Sicily from approximately 489 to 472 B.C.E. He was the son of Aenesidemus and is noted for his alliances, particularly with Gelon of Syracuse, who was a powerful ruler in the region. Theron's reign included military confrontations against the Phoenicians and a notable military success at the Battle of Himera in 480 B.C.E., where he collaborated with Gelon to defeat Carthaginian forces. This victory not only solidified his power but also allowed him to repopulate the city of Himera and enhance the wealth of Acragas through war spoils.
Despite some tensions with Gelon's successor, Hieron I, following Gelon's death, Theron was able to maintain stability through strategic alliances, including marriage connections. He is remembered for his contributions to the prosperity of Sicily and was celebrated as a hero in Acragas after his death. Overall, Theron's leadership marked a significant period in Sicilian history, characterized by military achievements and economic growth.
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Theron of Acragas
Related civilization: Classical Greece
Major role/position: Tyrant of Acragas
Life
Theron of Acragas (THEHR-ahn of AH-krah-gahz), son of Aenesidemus, ruled the city of Acragas on the island of Sicily from roughly 489 to 472 b.c.e., but the dates of his life cannot be determined precisely. Early in his reign, he allied with Gelon of Syracuse (who married Theron’s daughter Damarete), the increasingly powerful ruler of Gela. They fought against the Phoenicians on the west side of the island before Gelon took over Syracuse in 485 b.c.e. In 483 b.c.e., Theron seized the city of Himera and expelled Terillus, ally of the Carthaginian general Hamilcar. This expulsion prompted a Carthaginian invasion of Sicily. In 480 b.c.e., however, Theron, in alliance with Gelon, subdued Hamilcar’s forces at the Battle of Himera, reportedly at the same time that the Greeks overwhelmed the Persian attack at Salamis. Using spoils from the war, Theron repopulated Himera and enriched Acragas. After Gelon’s death, tension arose between Theron and Hieron I, Gelon’s brother and successor at Syracuse, but a marriage and alliance prevented hostilities.
Influence
Theron, although second in stature to Gelon, was renowned for bringing prosperity to Sicily. In Acragas, he was heralded as a hero after his death.
Bibliography
Dunbabin, R. J. The Western Greeks. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Finley, M. I. A History of Sicily. Vol. 1. London: Chatto & Windus, 1968.