History of Syracuse - Part 2 - The Tyranny of Hieron

Summary

The video explores the reign of Hieron I, brother of Gelon, as the tyrant of Syracuse following Gelon’s death. Hieron’s rule was marked by both successes and controversies, including the unpopular relocation of inhabitants from Naxos and Catania, and a major military victory against the Etruscans at the Battle of Cumae in 474 BC. He celebrated this victory by dedicating a bronze helmet at Olympia. Despite facing opposition, Hieron promoted culture and arts, attracting poets like Pindar to his court. His death in 467 BC in Catania marked the end of an era for Syracuse.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse, secured the city's position on Sicily as a local power after the decisive battle of Himera.
• 🗡️ Leadership of Syracuse passed to Gelon's brother, Hieron I, after Gelon's death in 478 BC.
• 🏙️ One of Hieron's first actions was relocating the inhabitants of Naxos and Catania, repopulating Catania with Dorians and renaming it Aetna, which was unpopular.
• ⚔️ Hieron achieved a major military victory against the Etruscans and Carthaginians at the Battle of Cumae in 474 BC, saving the Greeks of Campania.
• 🥇 To commemorate this victory, Hieron sent a bronze helmet with an inscription to the sacred site of Olympia, following Greek tradition.
• 🚓 Hieron's rule saw the creation of possibly the first secret police in ancient Greek history, likely due to the unpopularity of his relocation policies.
• 🎭 Despite controversies, Hieron became a patron of the arts, attracting famous poets like Pindar to his court.
• 🐎 Hieron was known for his skill in horse and chariot racing, winning several competitions.
• ⚰️ Hieron died in Catania in 467 BC and was buried there, but his grave was later destroyed by the returning inhabitants.
• 📉 Hieron's death marked the end of an era for Syracuse, leading to significant changes during his brothers' rule.

Q & A

Who was Gelon, and what role did he play in Syracuse's history?

Gelon was the tyrant of Syracuse who, after the decisive battle of Himera, secured Syracuse's position as a local power capable of standing up to larger Mediterranean forces like the Carthaginians.

What was one of the first actions taken by Hieron I after succeeding Gelon?

One of Hieron's first acts as the leader of Syracuse was relocating the inhabitants of Naxos and Catania to Leontini, repopulating Catania with Dorians, and renaming it Aetna. This move was unpopular and cast a shadow over his reign.

How did Hieron increase Syracuse's power during his reign?

Hieron increased Syracuse's power by achieving a significant military victory against the Etruscans and Carthaginians at the Battle of Cumae in 474 BC, saving the Greeks of Campania from Etruscan domination.

What cultural practice did Hieron follow after his victory at the Battle of Cumae?

After his victory at the Battle of Cumae, Hieron sent a bronze helmet to Olympia in Greece with an inscription commemorating the victory, which was a common practice among Greeks after great military successes.

Why did Hieron's decision to relocate people from Catania become so unpopular?

The relocation of the people of Catania and repopulating the city with Dorians was highly unpopular because it disrupted local communities and identities, leading to unrest among the displaced populations.

What role did poets and culture play during Hieron's reign?

Hieron became a patron of literature and culture, hosting prominent poets such as Pindar at his court. These poets recorded many of Hieron's achievements, enhancing his cultural legacy despite his political unpopularity.

What personal skill of Hieron's was celebrated during his reign?

Hieron was skilled in horse and chariot racing, winning several races, which added to his personal prestige and fame.

What irony surrounded Hieron's death and burial?

Hieron died and was buried in Catania, the very city where he had forcibly relocated its inhabitants and renamed it Aetna. After his death, his grave was destroyed by the returning inhabitants of Catania, reflecting their lingering resentment.

What historical significance did Hieron's rule have for Syracuse?

Hieron's reign marked a high point in Syracuse’s military and cultural power. However, his death in 467 BC ushered in an era of drastic changes for Syracuse, as his successors struggled to maintain stability.

What innovation in governance is attributed to Hieron during his rule?

Hieron is believed to have created one of the earliest examples of a secret police in ancient Greek history, likely as a response to the growing unpopularity following his relocation policies.