Battle of Himera: What Happened
In 480 BC, around the same time as the Persian invasion of mainland Greece, the Greeks of Sicily faced a great invasion of their own from Carthage, the Phoenician city in North Africa that controlled western Sicily. A large Carthaginian army led by Hamilcar landed and besieged the Greek city of Himera on the island's northern coast. Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse, and Theron, tyrant of Akragas, marched to its relief with a combined Greek army. According to ancient accounts, Gelon's cavalry tricked their way into the Carthaginian naval camp by posing as allies, killed Hamilcar and set fire to the ships. The Greek army then attacked and won a crushing victory. Later Greek tradition claimed the battle took place on the same day as Salamis, linking the two victories as a single defense of Greek freedom against barbarian invaders, though this is probably a legend. Himera secured Greek dominance in eastern Sicily for decades. The spoils from the victory paid for temples and monuments in Syracuse, Akragas and Delphi, and made Syracuse a major power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Himera?
The Battle of Himera was fought in 480 BC in Sicily, where the Greek tyrants Gelon of Syracuse and Theron of Akragas defeated a large Carthaginian army led by Hamilcar.
Why did Carthage invade Sicily?
Carthage, which controlled western Sicily, wanted to extend its power over the Greek cities of the island. The attack was prompted by conflicts between Greek rulers and their allies.
Did the Battle of Himera happen on the same day as Salamis?
Later Greek tradition claimed the two battles took place on the same day, linking them as a single defense of Greek freedom. Most historians consider this a legend.
What happened to Hamilcar?
According to ancient accounts, Gelon's cavalry entered the Carthaginian naval camp by pretending to be allies, killed Hamilcar and set the ships on fire.
What were the results of the Battle of Himera?
The victory secured Greek dominance in eastern Sicily for decades. Its spoils paid for temples and monuments in Syracuse, Akragas and Delphi, and made Syracuse a major power.
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