Hieron II (Hiero) born 308 BC, and ruled Syracuse, Greek Sicily, from 275 BC until he died in 215 BC. The fact that he lived over 90 years and ruled for 60 is even more incredible knowing he was born an illegitimate child to a Syracusan nobleman. Hiero served under Pyrrhus, who was considered one of the greatest of the ancient generals. When Pyrrhus left Sicily in 275 BC, Hiero was appointed commander-in-chief. Hiero was more keen in ruling Sicily than his predecessors. He married the daughter of one the the leading citizens in Syracuse (the capital of Sicily), ruled according to their laws, acknowledged the will of the assemblies, and never purged his opponents. He also signed and honored a treaty with Rome that led to peace and prosperity. Hiero was known for his close relationship with Archimedes, whom he commissioned to build innovative war machines (like the Claw of Archimedes). Hiero once charged Archimedes to determine if the gold he provided to the goldsmith to commission a crown for a temple had been used as they claimed. It’s said that Archimedes was taking a bath when he realized he could use displacement to measure the gold amount of the irregularly shaped crown. This led to him running through the town naked shouting “eureka, eureka!” Just a couple of years after Hiero died, the treaty with Rome dissolved, his successor was assassinated, Rome sacked Syracuse, and Archimedes was killed by a Roman soldier. Sicily never regained its glory as a 500-year long independent Greek city-state, and became a minor Roman provincial town. Hiero’s legacy as a tyrant of Syracuse is quite positive. His long reign improved Syracuse’s infrastructure, maintained a strong navy, and fostered cultural enrichment. 1700 years later, Hiero was cited by Machiavelli as a great example of a new prince who successfully navigated the complexities of rule, consolidating power, and having a long rule. The coins struck under Hiero’s rule often depicted Poseidon. This was to showcase the city’s deep connection to the sea and their dependence upon it for prosperity. Many sought Poseidon’s favor to protect their sailors and ships. SICILY, SYRACUSE Hieron II, c.275-215 BC AE Poseidon/trident+dolphins The Poseidon Collection Obverse: Poseidon facing left Reverse: trident with dolphins
