Founding of Syracuse: What Happened
In 733 BC, according to ancient tradition, settlers from Corinth led by Archias founded the city of Syracuse on the southeast coast of Sicily. They first settled on the small island of Ortygia, which had fresh water from the Arethusa spring and two excellent natural harbors, and soon spread onto the mainland. Syracuse grew rapidly and became the largest and most powerful Greek city in the western Mediterranean, at times rivaling Athens itself. Its rulers, such as Gelon and Hieron, defeated Carthage at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC and turned the city into a center of wealth and culture. The poet Pindar and the playwright Aeschylus spent time there, and Plato visited in an attempt to advise its rulers. In 415 to 413 BC, Syracuse destroyed the great Athenian expedition sent to conquer it, a turning point in the Peloponnesian War. The city was also home to Archimedes, the greatest mathematician of antiquity, who was killed when Rome captured Syracuse in 212 BC. It remains an important city in Sicily today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Syracuse founded?
According to ancient tradition, Syracuse was founded in 733 BC by Greek settlers from Corinth, led by Archias, on the southeast coast of Sicily.
Why was Syracuse important?
Syracuse became the largest and most powerful Greek city in the western Mediterranean. At times it rivaled Athens in wealth and power, and it was a major center of culture.
What is Ortygia?
Ortygia is the small island where the first settlers of Syracuse built their city, with fresh water from the Arethusa spring and excellent harbors. It remains the historic heart of Syracuse today.
What happened when Athens attacked Syracuse?
In 415 to 413 BC, Syracuse destroyed a huge Athenian expedition sent to conquer it. The disaster was a turning point in the Peloponnesian War and a major blow to Athenian power.
Which famous people lived in Syracuse?
Syracuse was home to Archimedes, the greatest mathematician of antiquity. The playwright Aeschylus and the philosopher Plato also spent time there, and Plato tried to advise its rulers.
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