People > Dionysius II of Syracuse

Dionysius II of Syracuse

Background

Dionysius II of Syracuse, also known as Dionysius the Younger, was a tyrant of Syracuse who ruled from 367 BCE to 357 BCE, and then again from 346 BCE to 344 BCE. He was the son of Dionysius I, one of the most powerful and influential tyrants in ancient Greek history. Dionysius II's rule was marked by political instability, challenges to his authority, and eventual overthrow.

Early Life and Ascension to Power:

1. Background:

   • Family Lineage: Dionysius II was born into the ruling family of Syracuse. His father, Dionysius I, had established a powerful and autocratic regime in Syracuse, expanding its territory and fortifying the city against external threats.
   • Education and Preparation: Unlike his father, who was known for his military prowess and strategic acumen, Dionysius II was reportedly less prepared for the rigors of leadership. His education included instruction from notable philosophers, including Plato, although this did not necessarily translate into effective governance.

2. Succession:

   • Inheriting the Throne: Upon the death of Dionysius I in 367 BCE, Dionysius II inherited the throne. He faced immediate challenges in maintaining the stability and authority established by his father.

Reign and Challenges:

1. Initial Rule:

   • Advisory Influence: Early in his reign, Dionysius II was heavily influenced by his uncle Dion, a follower of Plato who sought to implement philosophical reforms and moderate the tyrannical rule. Dion's influence aimed to educate Dionysius II in the principles of justice and good governance.
   • Philosophical Ambitions: Under Dion's guidance, Dionysius II invited Plato to Syracuse, hoping to apply Platonic ideals to the governance of the city. However, the attempt to integrate philosophical principles into practical politics was largely unsuccessful and led to tensions.

2. Conflict with Dion:

   • Political Rift: The relationship between Dionysius II and Dion deteriorated over time. Dion's reforms and influence threatened the established power structures and the interests of the ruling elite. In 366 BCE, Dionysius II expelled Dion, fearing his growing influence.
   • Return of Dion: Dion returned to Syracuse in 357 BCE with a small force and significant support from exiles and disaffected Syracusans. He successfully overthrew Dionysius II, who fled to the fortress of Ortygia.

3. Exile and Return:

   • First Exile: After being overthrown, Dionysius II spent nearly a decade in exile, during which time he sought to regain his throne by various means, including soliciting support from other Greek city-states and foreign powers.
   • Second Reign: In 346 BCE, Dionysius II managed to reclaim power in Syracuse with the help of mercenaries and political allies. However, his second reign was brief and fraught with instability.

Downfall and Legacy:

1. Final Overthrow:

   • Timoleon's Intervention: The final blow to Dionysius II's rule came from Timoleon of Corinth, who was sent by the Corinthians to restore order in Syracuse and liberate it from tyrannical rule. Timoleon's military and political skills successfully rallied opposition to Dionysius II.
   • Surrender and Exile: In 344 BCE, Dionysius II surrendered to Timoleon and was allowed to go into exile in Corinth. He lived out the remainder of his life in relative obscurity, reportedly working as a schoolteacher.

2. Historical Assessment:

   • Ineffective Leadership: Dionysius II is often viewed as an ineffective leader who struggled to maintain the authority and stability established by his father. His reliance on advisors and philosophers, coupled with his inability to navigate the political complexities of Syracuse, contributed to his downfall.
   • Legacy of Tyranny: Despite his philosophical aspirations, Dionysius II's reign is largely remembered for its political instability and the failure to implement meaningful reforms. His legacy is overshadowed by the more successful and enduring rule of his father, Dionysius I.

3. Impact on Syracuse:

   • Political Turmoil: The reigns of Dionysius II were marked by political turmoil and conflict, which weakened Syracuse and made it more vulnerable to external threats and internal divisions.
   • End of Tyranny: The final overthrow of Dionysius II and the intervention of Timoleon marked the end of the Dionysian tyranny in Syracuse, paving the way for a period of restored democratic governance and relative stability.

Dionysius II of Syracuse is a complex figure whose reign highlights the challenges of succession and the difficulties of integrating philosophical ideals into practical politics. His rule is a cautionary tale of the limitations of inherited power and the importance of effective leadership.

Sources

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Dionysius s.v. Dionysius, known as "the Younger"". Encyclopædia Britannica. 8 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 284.

Maier, Michael (1617). Atalanta Fugiens. trans. Peter Branwin. Johann Theodor de Bry. chapter 31.

Wood, James, ed. (1907). "article name needed". The Nuttall Encyclopædia. London and New York: Frederick Warne.