People > Timoleon

Timoleon

Background

Timoleon was a notable Greek statesman and general from Corinth who lived in the 4th century BCE. He is best remembered for his efforts to liberate the city-state of Syracuse in Sicily from tyrannical rule and foreign domination, and for his subsequent work in establishing a more stable and democratic government there.

Key Aspects of Timoleon

1. Early Life and Background:

   • Timoleon was born in Corinth, a powerful Greek city-state. Not much is known about his early life, but he belonged to a noble family and had a reputation for bravery and integrity.

2. Military and Political Career:

   • Assassination of His Brother: Early in his career, Timoleon was involved in the political turmoil in Corinth, notably participating in the assassination of his brother, Timophanes, who had seized power as a tyrant. This act, driven by a desire to restore freedom to Corinth, left Timoleon both praised and condemned by his contemporaries.

3. Liberation of Syracuse:

   • Invitation to Sicily: In 344 BCE, the people of Syracuse, suffering under the tyranny of Dionysius II and facing threats from Carthage and internal strife, appealed to Corinth for help. Timoleon was chosen to lead the expedition to Sicily.
   • Military Campaigns: Timoleon successfully led his forces in a series of campaigns that resulted in the expulsion of Dionysius II and the defeat of other tyrants and foreign invaders. His military acumen and strategic brilliance were key to his successes.

4. Reforms in Syracuse:

   • Establishment of Democracy: After liberating Syracuse, Timoleon focused on restoring and stabilizing the political system. He established democratic reforms, redistributed land to encourage settlement, and implemented laws to ensure justice and order.
   • Infrastructure and Urban Renewal: Timoleon also undertook significant infrastructure projects, rebuilding the city and fortifying its defenses. His efforts helped revive Syracuse's economy and social structure.

5. Later Life and Death:

   • Timoleon retired from public life after completing his mission in Syracuse, living the rest of his life in the city he had helped liberate. He was highly respected and revered by the people for his leadership and contributions. Timoleon died around 337 BCE, and his legacy was honored with a hero's funeral and lasting veneration.

Legacy

Timoleon's legacy is one of a liberator and reformer. His leadership in freeing Syracuse from tyranny and foreign domination and his subsequent efforts to establish a stable and democratic government had a profound and lasting impact on the city and the wider region of Sicily. Timoleon is remembered for his integrity, strategic skill, and dedication to the principles of freedom and justice. His life and achievements are well-documented by ancient historians such as Plutarch, who praised his virtues and contributions to Greek history.

Sources

Hornblower, Simon; Spawforth, Tony (2000). Who's Who in the Classical World. New York: Oxford Paperback Reference. p. 403. ISBN 0192801074.

History of Greece, George Grote, vol. 7 pp. 575-6.

ἀμφίπολος. Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert; A Greek–English Lexicon at the Perseus Project.

Historians History of the World, Editor: Henry Smith Williams vol 4 p207

Plutarch, Life of Timoleon.

Cornelius Nepos, Timoleon.

Diod. Sic., Historical Library, xvi.65–90.

Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Timoleon". Encyclopædia Britannica. 26 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Westlake, H.D. Timoleon and His Relations With Tyrants. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1952 (hardcover, ISBN 0-7190-1217-1).

Bicknell, P.J. "The Date of Timoleon's Crossing to Italy and the Comet of 361 B.C.", The Classical Quarterly, New Series, Vol. 34, No. 1. (1984), pp. 130–134.

Talbert, R.J.A. Timoleon and the Revival of Greek Sicily, 344–317 B.C. (Cambridge Classical Studies). New York: Cambridge University Press, 1975 (hardcover, ISBN 0-521-20419-4); 2008 (paperback, ISBN 0-521-03413-2).