v53_0023 - SICILIA - SIRACUSA Tétradrachme

SICILY - SYRACUSE

(5th century BC)

Demokratia

After the disappearance of Hieron in 467 and the usurpation of Thrasybulus, democracy was established in 466 BC in Syracuse as in most Sicilian cities. The city then experienced a great period of economic and political expansion radiating throughout the island. Simultaneously, it had to fight against the Etruscans and especially against the Carthaginians who periodically tried to settle or, at least, to control eastern Sicily. During the Peloponnesian War, she had to face on her ground the formidable Athenian expedition led from 415 BC by Alcibiades and Nicias. After the recall of the former, the Athenian fleet was cast in the port of Syracuse, Nicias put to death, and the survivors of the Athenian army condemned to hard labor in the stone quarries. In 409, the Carthaginians invaded the island again and seized Selinunte and Himera, then Agrigento in 405 BC. Dionysius of Syracuse seized power and drove back the invaders.