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The Rise of the Dionysian Dynasty in Syracuse. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Syracuse, a Corinthian colony, rose to power under Dionysius the Elder during the 4th century BCE. Starting as a clerk, he became a demagogue by attacking elite leaders acc
Season 8
Episode 1064
Published 3 days, 16 hours ago
Description
The Rise of the Dionysian Dynasty in Syracuse. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Syracuse, a Corinthian colony, rose to power under Dionysius the Elder during the 4th century BCE. Starting as a clerk, he became a demagogue by attacking elite leaders accused of collaborating with Carthage. He fortified "the island," a strategic peninsula with a natural spring, to secure his power. Dionysius broke Greek custom by adopting Persian-style polygamy, marrying Doris and Aristomache on one day to appear superhuman. This created rival lineages that sparked future civil conflict. The court was famous for "Syracuse tables," characterized by excessive luxury and wine. Dionysius died in 367 BCE, with rumors suggesting he was poisoned. 1