| |
Dion, tyrant of Syracuse in Sicily, was the
son of Hipparinus, and brother-in-law of Dionysius I of Syracuse. A disciple of
Plato, he became Dionysius I's most trusted minister and adviser. However, his
great wealth, his belief in Platonism and his ambition aroused the suspicions
of Dionysius I's son and successor, Dionysius II. An indiscreet letter from
Dion to the Carthaginians led to his banishment. Settling in Athens, he lived a
prosperous life until Dionysius II dispossessed him of his estates and income.
Landing in Sicily in 357, he was successful in conquering Syracuse (other than
the citadel). However, Dion soon quarrelled with the radical leader Heraclides
and was forced into exile. Recalled in 355, he became master of the whole city
but his imperious behaviour and financial demands on the people of Syracuse
soon alienated the population. His supporters abandoned him and he was
assassinated. His attempts to liberate Sicily only brought political and social
chaos to the island which would last for nearly 20 years.
Family:
Dion was the son of the Syracusan statesman Hipparinus, who had served with
Dionysius I in the Syracusan army. Hipparinus' other children were Megacles and
Aristomache. Aristomache married Dionysius I, who also married Doris of Locris
at the same time. Although Dion's sister was popular with her fellow
Syracusans, it was Doris who gave birth to Dionysius I's heir Dionysius II.
Aristomache had four children. Of these children, Sophrosyne married Dionysius
II and Arete married Dion (with their son being called Hipparinus).
Advisor to Dionysius I:
As a trusted advisor to Dionysius I, Dion was given the most important
diplomatic assignments. Dion excelled in managing the embassies that dealt with
Carthage. Dionysius I was so satisfied with Dion's role as advisor that
eventually Dion was authorized to withdraw money from the Syracusan treasury.
The tyrant demanded, however, to be informed daily when he did so. Despite this
requirement, Dion became extremely rich and his residence was magnificently
furnished. Nonetheless, Dion occasionally criticized Dionysius I. Since his
youth, Dion had excelled in intellectual activities, particularly philosophy.
Plato and Dion first met in 387 when the philosopher, on a visit to Tarentum in
southern Italy, accepted an invitation from Dionysius I to visit Syracuse. It
was Dion who instigated this invitation. Dion joined Plato's philosophical
school, with Dion excelling amongst Plato's disciples. Dion used every effort
to inculcate Plato's maxims into the thoughts of Dionysius I. At one time, Dion
invited the despot to a meeting with Plato. However, Dionysius I was offended
by the philosopher when Plato spoke out against tyrannical leaders. This led to
a quarrel, after which Dionysius I ordered the assassination of the philosopher
(who managed to escape this fate, although he ended up being sold as an
Athenian slave in Aegina). Despite this disagreement over Plato, Dion and
Dionysius I's' close relationship continued as before. Dionysius I was on his
deathbed when Dion attempted to discuss the succession with him. Dion hoped
that Dionysius I would hand over the rule of Syracuse to him or to his family.
However, his attempt to influence Dionysius I was stopped by Dionysius I's
doctors who supported the younger Dionysius II. On hearing of Dion's plans,
Dionysius II then deliberately poisoned his father, who was unable to utter
another word before passing away.
Dion and Dionysius II:
Dionysius I had dreaded that anyone might depose him treacherously. He had,
therefore, cloistered his son Dionysius II inside the Syracusan acropolis so,
as he grew up, he lacked the knowledge, capabilities, political skills or
personal strength expected of a future leader of men. When Dionysius I died in
367, he was succeeded by Dionysius II. As an adult Dionysius was given to
libertine practices.
Cornelius Nepos was of the view that Dionysius lacked his father’s
strength of character and he paid too much attention to unscrupulous advisers
who wished to discredit Dion. When he succeeded as tyrant of Syracuse, his
entire court was composed of by licentious youngsters, who were completely
disengaged from their political duties. The Syracusan institutions thus began
to collapse. With his extensive political experience, Dion effectively ruled
the city state. Soon, the people of Syracuse formed the view that Dion was the
only one who might save the city. In Dionysius' court, Dion proposed a response
to the continuing Carthaginian threat. Dion offered either to travel to
Carthage (to seek a diplomatic solution) or to furnish Syracuse with 50 new
triremes with his own money to fight the Carthaginians. Although Dionysius was
delighted by these suggestions, his courtiers resented Dion's interventions.
They suggested to Dionysus that Dion was trying to oust him in favour of the
line of his sister Aristomache. Dion concluded that educating Dionysius would
be the key to resolving Syracuse's problems. With his philosophical training,
Dion began teaching him about philosophical principles and the importance of
good governance with the aim of making him a philosopher king. Such lessons
sparked Dionysius' interest, so Plato was invited again to Syracuse. The
experiment, in spite of a promising beginning, failed, with Dion's opponents
gaining influence over Dionysius, leading to the philosopher Philistus being
recalled (after he had been banished by the elder Dionysius) and then leading
the opposition to Dion. Facing increasing opposition to his plans, Dion began
developing a plot, with generals Heracleides and Theodotes, to overthrow
Dionysius. They agreed that they would wait in the hope of political reform,
although they would oust Dionysius if this did not happen. Eventually Dion
agreed with Heracleides to install a full democracy, by his wealthy patrician
birth, he disliked this form of government. Nonetheless, Plato arrived and was
welcomed with much enthusiasm. Plato's conversations with Dionysius were said
to have led to significant changes in Dionysius' views and behaviour, who,
became sober and attentive, whereas his court continued its libertine
practices. Then, during a traditional sacrifice, Dionysius openly stated that
he did not wish to be a tyrant any longer.
Banishment:
When Dionysius expressed the view that he no longer wished to rule as a tyrant,
this alarmed Philistus and his supporters and they campaigned intensively
against Dion. They insisted to Dionysius that Dion was the greatest of
deceivers, who was intending to seize the realm for his own nephews. Dionysius
believed their arguments so he adopted a hostile attitude towards Dion. The
situation reached a crisis point when Dionysius and Philistus intercepted a
letter which had been sent by Dion to the Carthaginians. In that letter, Dion
recommended that the Carthaginians should consult him regarding a peace
agreement, because he would provide all of Syracuse's demands to them. Fearing
a plot between Carthage and Dion and his supporters, Dionysius feigned a
renewed friendship with Dion. They walked to the seashore where the despot
showed the incriminating letter to Dion and, without giving Dion the
opportunity to defend himself, immediately forced Dion into exile. Dion
eventually made his way to Athens. Plato was confined inside the acropolis and
received excellent treatment as an important guest, so he would not follow
Dion. Later, when war with Carthage restarted, Dionysius allowed the
philosopher to depart Syracuse, promising Plato that he would allow Dion to
return to Syracuse during the next summer. Thanks to these events, there was
growing speculation in Syracuse that Aristomache, who was popular with her
fellow citizens, would attempt to seize the power. Dionysius became aware of
these sentiments and he attempted to address the situation. Publicly, he
explained that Dion was temporarily in Athens so that he wouldn't provoke some
violent backlash against Dionysius. Dion was allowed to hold onto his Syracusan
estate so he was still receiving his usual revenues. Furthermore, Dionysius
handed two ships to Dion's relatives so they could send his possessions after
him to Athens. Thus, Dion lived amongst the Athenian high society, dwelling
with the patrician Athenian Calippus of Syracuse with whom he had become
acquainted during the celebrations of the Eleusian Mysteries. Additionally,
Dion purchased a rural residence for his leisure. His closest friend was
Speusippus. Dionysius delayed Dion's return until the end of the war with
Carthage. Dionysius recommended to Plato that Dion should not publicly
criticise the Syracusan regime. Dion obeyed, staying within the Athenian
Academy and studying philosophy. Later Dion did begin travelling throughout
Greece meeting many local statesmen. Dion was regarded as a celebrity and many
Greek cities welcomed him. For instance, the Spartans endowed him with
citizenship, although the city state was at war with Thebes and was allied with
Dionysius.
Rebellion:
Eventually, Dionysius decided to seize all of Dion's properties in Syracuse and
stopped him receiving revenue from his estates. Dionysius tried to mend his
image by forcing Plato to visit him in Syracuse through public threats against
Dion. The celebrated philosopher returned to Syracuse, but soon he and
Dionysius began arguing bitterly about Dion's fate. The philosopher was jailed
until an Athenian embassy arranged for his release. In his anger, Dionysus sold
Dion's estate (keeping the proceeds) and compelled Dion's wife (and niece)
Arete to marry the tyrant's close adviser, Timocrates. In response, Dion sought
to start a revolt in Syracuse against Dionysius and his supporters. Dion's
closest friends advised him that in Syracuse, the population could be expected
to enthusiastically join Dion's revolt, if only he could get to the city. They
told him that Dion did not need to bring either weapons or soldiers.
Nevertheless, Dion managed to gather from his Greek supporters 800 soldiers who
gathered on the Greek island of Zacynthus. Dion assured the leaders of the
mercenaries that they would be made commanders once they defeated Dionysius. In
357, Dion's fleet sailed for Sicily. As his coming was expected, the Admiral
Philistus had a fleet in Italian coastal waters ready to waylay him. So Dion
sailed straight across the open sea. After 13 days, Dion's fleet reached Sicily
at Pachynus. However, despite his own helmsman's advice, Dion sailed further
along the southern coast of Sicily where the fleet was hit by a storm and
nearly smashed into pieces against the rocks near Cercina, in northern Africa.
The fleet had to wait for five days until a favourable southerly wind brought
it back to Sicily. Dion was then able to land in Carthaginian territory. As he
was a personal friend of the governor Synalus of Heraclea Minoa, the
Carthaginians offered lodging and plentiful supplies to Dion's expedition.
Having learnt that Dionysius had sailed to Caulonia on the Italian peninsula
with 80 ships, Dion's soldiers insisted on action. So Dion led his troops
towards Syracuse. On the road through Agrigento, Gela, Camarina and the region
surrounding Syracuse, they were joined by 5,000 Sicilians who wished to join
the revolt. Near Acrae, Dion spread rumours that he would be attacking both
Lentini and Campania. Dionysius' soldiers from these areas deserted Timocrates'
forces to defend their respective towns. Then, during the night, Dion ordered
the expedition to advance, and at daybreak, Dion launched his attack. With the
news of the arrival of Dion, the people of Syracuse slew the tyrant's
supporters and Timocrates had to flee. Dion led his army into Syracuse. He wore
brilliant armour and a garland crowned his head. Dion was accompanied by
Megacles and Callipus. The local community leaders greeted them. Dion
proclaimed that Dionysius was now deposed.
A week later, Dionysius returned to Syracuse and, protected by his loyal fleet,
managed to gain entry into the Syracusan island acropolis which had not been
captured as it was guarded by a large garrison loyal to the tyrant. Dionysus
attempted negotiating with Dion but Dion responded by saying that the now free
Syracusans should decide. Dionysius' proposals were spurned by the people and
Dion suggested his surrender. Dionysus accepted this suggestion and he invited
a local embassy to come to his palace to discuss the details. However, it was a
deception on Dionysius' part and Dion and his representatives were immediately
confined after entering into the palace. The next day, Dionysius' army
surprised and overwhelmed the many besieging Syracusans who retreated in utter
disorder. Because of the confusion, Dion was unable to issue orders more
generally, so he and his men charged against Dionysius' troops. Dion was
injured and ended on the ground but he was rescued by his men. Dion mounted a
horse and was reunited with supporters. Dion's foreign mercenaries had superior
fighting skills and forced Dionysius' men to retreat back into the acropolis.
Leadership of Syracuse:
Following Dion's defeat of Dionysius' forces, Dion was elected to lead Syracuse
(with his brother). Dionysius and his supporters were confined to the citadel.
With his long connection with the former tyranny, it soon became clear to the
people of Syracuse that Dion's political views were conservative and he did not
favour the introduction of the democratic reforms sought by many of Syracuse's
citizens. Dion was not a man who could hold the affections of the people, for
he repelled men with his haughtiness. He was also seen as too keen to direct
the Syracusans on how they were to use their freedom. As a result, the
Syracusans started to distrust Dion's intentions. Dion soon fell out with
Heracleides who formed his own political party. Heracleides was appointed
admiral by the Syracuse assembly which increased his influence in the city.
However, Dion undid this act on the grounds that his own consent was needed and
then came forward himself to propose Heraclides for the role of admiral.
Heracleides kept arguing in favour of democratic reform. Later, when Philistus
returned from Italy with his squadron, Heracleides led a Syracusan fleet in a
battle in which Philistus' fleet was defeated and Philistus was executed. The
rivalry peaked after Heracleides failed to prevent Dionysius' subsequent escape
from Syracuse, with Dionysius' son Apollocrates being left to command the
citadel. Heracleides then proposed to the popular assembly that: Syracusan land
should be equally redistributed amongst the citizens the foreign officers
should lose their salary new commanders should be appointed Dion opposed such
plans but the Syracusans reacted decisively against what they saw as his
oppressive government (which relied to a great extent on unpopular foreign
mercenaries). The Syracusans deposed him from the post of general and appointed
25 new generals, among them Heracleides. They also refused to pay the Greek
mercenaries who had come with Dion to Syracuse. While Dion and his mercenaries
could have turned against the Syracusans, Dion decided to abandon Syracuse and
with his 3000 foreign mercenaries moved to Leontini. At Leontini, Dion was well
received and his foreign mercenaries were made local citizens. There, the
Sicilian congress held a meeting, denouncing Syracuse, but the Syracusans
responded that they preferred their actual liberties instead of a continuation
of tyranny.
Regaining power in Syracuse:
With the departure of Dion and his mercenaries, the Syracusans decided to lay
siege to the island fortress where Dionysius' son, Apollocrates, and his
garrison of mercenaries resided. However, just as they were about to attack,
reinforcements arrived led by a Campanian from Naples, Nypsius, who sailed his
fleet into Syracuse's Great Harbour. At first the Syracusans seem to be winning
after Heracleides put out to sea and won a sea fight against the fleet
supporting Nypsius. On the news of this victory, the people of Syracusan went
wild with joy and spent the night drinking. The next day, while all in Syracuse
were asleep, Nypsius and his troops issued from the gates of the island citadel
and took control of key parts of the city and pillaged the city at will.
The Syracusans were unable to offer effective resistance, so they sent an
embassy to Leontini to meet with Dion. In response, Dion announced that his
soldiers should prepare to march towards Syracuse on that same night. When he
learnt about Dion's imminent arrival, Nypsius ordered to his men to burn the
city. During that night, the city of Syracuse burned while many of its citizens
were slain. The next day, Dion led his troops through the city cheered by the
local people. However, Nypsius' troops had hidden behind the destroyed palisade
of the acropolis and the liberating soldiers were unable to reach them. The
Syracusans spontaneously decided to charge the enemy, which ended when Nypsius
and his men retreated back into the citadel where many of Nypsius' soldiers
were then captured. Nypsius somehow managed to escape from the city. Not long
after, Dionysius' son Apollocrates, weary of the long siege, surrendered the
island citadel to Dion and Dion's sister Aristomache, his wife Arete and the
young Hipparinus were freed. The Syracusan assembly 'supplicated Dion as a god
with prayers' when he returned to Syracuse (Plutarch, Life of Dion 29.2).
However, Diodorus (16.20.6) described these honours as heroic. During the next
days, most of the opponents of Dion fled. Amongst the few who remained was
Heracleides who sought Dion's pardon. Dion's foreign mercenaries suggested that
he should be executed. However, Dion pardoned him and agreed to the arrangement
where Dion would be general with full power on land while Heracleides would
remain admiral by sea. The Syracusans began insisting, once again, about
redistributing land and restoring democracy. However, according to Bury, Dion
thought democracy was as bad a form of government as tyranny. Instead he hoped
to create a Platonic state and establish an aristocracy with some democratic
limitations and with a king and a senate made up of aristocrats. Also, the
people of Syracuse wished to see the citadel of the tyrant demolished, but Dion
allowed it to remain. Dion seemed to have no intention of allowing the
Syracusans to manage their own affairs. His authority was now only limited by
his joint command with Heracleides. Heracleides refused joining the
aristocratic senate even after an invitation of Dion and, again, the populist
leader began conspiring. He protested because Dion had not destroyed the
acropolis and because he had brought in foreign politicians. At last, Dion was
persuaded to consent to having Heracleides assassinated at his own home.
Although Dion led the funeral for the popular leader, the assassination was
quite resented by the people of Syracuse.
Assassination:
Among those who had come with Dion from Greece to help liberate Syracuse was a
pupil of Plato named Calippus. From his exile, Dionysius had offered a bribe to
Calippus to kill Dion and Calippus had accepted the offer. Calippus used the
money from Dionysius to bribe some of Dion’s troops to defect to him. He
then won Dion’s trust by betraying some of these soldiers to Dion, who
then enlisted Calippus as a secret agent to discover further plotters. So
whenever Dion was told that Calippus was undermining him, Dion simply thought
that Calippus was acting in his role as a spy. Shortly afterwards, Dion’s
only son fell from a window and died. Dion’s wife, Arete, and sister,
Aristomache, discovered Calippus’ plot against Dion, but Dion was still
paralysed with remorse from his son’s death, and refused to take action.
Arete and Aristomache continued their enquiries into Calippus' plot against
Dion, and when Calippus discovered their inquisitiveness, he approached them
and told them that he was loyal and that he would prove his loyalty. They told
him to take the Great Oath, involving a ceremony in Persephone’s temple,
which he took. Following the ceremony, Calippus broke his vow and planned to
kill Dion on the day celebrating the god Persephone. On that date, Dion was
celebrating at home with his friends. The assassins were Zacynthians, who wore
light garments and who were unarmed. They walked into the house while other
accomplices began shutting all doors and windows. The mercenaries attacked Dion
choking him and then with a short Spartan sword he was stabbed to death.
Following Dion's assassination, Calippus seized power himself and ruled as
tyrant of Syracuse for about a year before Syracuse successfully revolted
against his rule and he was exiled from the city.
|
|
