Syracuse

media type="youtube" key="VZvM9LjnucY" height="326" width="469"  I am sure you have heard of Athens, Sparta, and some of the other impressive city-states of Greece. Even though these are quite powerful, their is another (city-state) that matches these city-states' power,and on top of that, they lack in fame compared to them, this is Syracuse. Once a small Corinthian colony, they worked their way up, facing war, political upheaval, and uncertainty. In this wiki, we will be discussing the history, origin, culture, and so much more about Syracuse. So sit back, relax, and take a journey into ancient Syracuse.

Syracuse is a fascinating place filled with rich history and many cultures. Though, Syracuse was not always like this. It took time and effort until they could rise to greatness. And like all things, Syracuse had a beginning. This began with Corinth, a Greek city-state that wished to expand. ("Syracuse") So, in 734 B.C., Corinth founded Syracuse in southern Sicily. ("Syracuse" 1069) After their creation, Syracuse began to build and grow. Though, since their founding, their were no major events; until 485 B.C. ("Syracuse") This is when a tyrant (which is someoe who seizes power with the help of the common people) named Gelo came to power. ("Syracuse")

The beautiful city of Syracuse, located on the coast of Sicily and the Ionian Sea, is full of rich history, and beautiful landmarks. (“Syracuse” Van der Crabben) Toward the end of the dark ages, around 5 50 B.C, the population of Greece began to increase rapidly. Since the country was not fertile enough some Greeks left to discover their own cities. (Harrius 16)They settled into different places around the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, one of these happened to be the colonization of Syracuse. The largest number of settlements was in southern Italy and Sicily, which the Romans later called Magna Graecia; Great Greece (Chrisp 22). Syracuse was established in about 734 B.C (“Syracuse 1069). Each settlement became an independent polis, and the Corinthian founders of Syracuse became citizens of the new city of Syracuse; no longer members of Corinth. Over time Syracuse became one of the most powerful and wealthy cities of the ancient Greek world. Sicily is located on the southern coast of Sicily; bordered by the Mediterranean (Syracuse 1069). It thrived and for over 27 centuries the city of Syracuse, in modern Italy, has been of great economic and cultural importance. From the prehistoric populations to the Corinthians who founded it, the history of Syracuse can be clearly seen in architecture throughout the city (DK Publishing 136). The Xerxes invasion began in 481 B.C., Persia being the enemy. The Congress decided to send for help to distant sections of the Greek empire; such as Crete, Sicily, etc. The western side of the world responded, and Sicily’s help was received. (Asimov 110) At this moment, Gelon (a very successful tyrant) came to power in Syracuse. In 485 B.C, Gelon concentrated all his efforts to benefit the wealth and power of Syracuse; he succeeded. From this time on, 3 centuries in total, Syracuse was the richest and most powerful city of the west side of Greece. Syracuse rapidly became a cultural center under Hiere I, who built an empire in southern Italy. After he passed away, Syracuse became a democracy. (Syracuse 1069) After this occurred, the Peloponnesian War shortly followed; a powerful expedition sent to take Syracuse that ended up utterly destroying the Athenians (Harrius 26). For a hundred years the Greeks in Eastern Sicily had been carrying on random warfare with the Carthaginians in West Sicily (Asimov 11). In 416 B.C. Segesta, located in Western Sicily, was at war with the neighboring city of Selinious and called on Athens for help; Alcibiades heard this call (Asimov 152). He took it as a chance to attack Syracuse. The reason being was mainly because of its history; Syracuse was originally a Corinthian colony. Corinth was Athens most hated enemy; it was the city that started the disastrous war (Asimov 153). Syracuse was the prime home of tyranny and a proper target for democratic Athens. To add to this, Syracuse was the strongest city in the west, and if she fell to this attack; all else would follow (Asimov 153). In 415 B.C the politician Alcibiades convinced the Athenians to start a new war- against Syracuse in Sicily. He was about to lead a fleet to Athens but was then accused of war crimes, against religion, and called back to Athens. This gave the people of Syracuse time to train their men, and prepare for the war to come. His plan was all planned out, and now enraged towards the city of Athens; he turned to Sparta. (Chrisp 71) Distraught, he fled to Sparta and offered to show the Spartans how to win the war, luring them in with the thought of beating their opponents, and competition; Athens. He shared with them the battle plans of the Athenians; strategies to beat them. Sparta sent a general named Gylippus with a small force in 414 B.C. (Asimov 154) Meanwhile Athens sent an entire Athenian army to fight; directed by Nicias and Lachamaus. (Chrisp 71)As soon as they arrived; there was a small group of Nicias’ group that found an opening to get through into the city. (Asimov 154) Sparta helped add to the defense of Syracuse, and drove them back; the wall never completed. On August 24,413 B.C. there was an eclipse, and Nicias full of superstition refused to fight (Asimov 155). This turned out to be a horrendous mistake, and the Syracuse fleet later on beat the Athenians in 2 sea battles; they were trapped. The whole Athenian army was killed or captured, and Nicias and Demosthenes were both killed (Asimov 155) Syracuse prospered with the ruler Dionysius the Elder, but when he died, Syracuse declined (Syracuse 1029). After 315 B.C, Corinthian general Timolean rebuilt it. During the rule of Hiero II in 200 B.C, they were allied with Rome (Syracuse 1029). The city sided with Carthage later on history, and the Romans captured it in 212 B.C.; after a three year siege. Syracuse became the capital of the Roman providence of Sicily afterward. Awhile later, AD 818, the Muslims destroyed Syracuse. (Syracuse 1029) The town of Siracusa now stands on the site, and ancient Syracuse can still be seen. Located in Syracuse are some of the most important examples that reflect the Greek empire, one of them happening to be the Greek Theatre (DK Publishing 138). For centuries it was the center of Syracusan life, and it was so much more complex than today’s present day ruins. (DK publishing 138) It was designed in the 5th century, and from then onwards many great Greek playwrights wrote and staged their works in this setting (DK Publishing 138). Also in Syracuse are the Neapolis Archaeological Zone, Tomb of Archimedes, Altar of Hieron II, and the Roman Amphitheatre (DK Publishing 136, 137). The Neapolis Archaeological Zone was established in 1955, and groups the antiques of Syracuse within one location so visitors have the opportunity to make an unplanned tour there (DK Publishing 136). The tomb of Archimedes is located in the northwestern corner of the Neapolis site (DK Publishing 137) .Archimedes was an astronomer, mathematician, and brilliant inventor of war machines. During the Roman siege of Syracuse, he constructed enormous mirrors, which directed sunlight onto the enemy ships to set them on fire. He also invented giant claws that used leverage to lift ships out of the sea. He was born 287 B.C. and died 211 B.C (Chrisp 79). The Altar of Hieron II was common in ancient Syracuse culture. This monument holds the remains of the Altar of Hieron II, and was used for public sacrifices (DK Publishing 137). Another important altar is the Temple of Apollo (DK Publishing 142). The temple of Apollo is located in the island of Ortygia, a main vocal point of Syracuse. Temples and altars such as these two are commonly seen in Syracuse because of the people like to honor their great leaders, and gods. In conclusion, Syracuse is an amazing city to visit and is engulfed with interesting aspects. As you can tell from the previous paragraphs; it’s full of hundreds of year’s worth of history. Not only that; but the architecture from their past still stands to this day. It was a very significant city to the Greek Empire, making its success increase with its wealth. This thriving city still makes the island of Sicily proud; Syracuse will never be forgotten.

**__Apollo; the god of founding cities__** Each settlement became an independent polis. Thus eventually, the Corinthian founders of Syracuse proceeded to make themselves citizens of this brand new polis of Syracuse. (Chrisp 22) When the first Greeks arrived in Sicily and found Nayos one of the first things they did was to build an altar to Apollo Archegetes (the founder); where they offered sacrifices to him. After death, city founders were treated as godlike heroes, celebrated on coins and statues.