The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

DIONYSIUS

Dionysius was a tyrant of Syracuse. He was born around 430 BC and died around 367 BC. He gained control of the city during the war with Carthage, in 405 BC and extended his power by defeating the Carthaginians in 397 BC. His successful campaign against Rhegium and other Greek cities in Italy between 391 BC and 386 BC further extended his power, but he was defeated by the Carthaginians soon after. Dionysius raised Syracuse to the position of a leading city and was a patron of literature.
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