Dion (/ˈdaɪɒn, ən/; Greek: Δίων ὁ Συρακόσιος; 408–354 BC), tyrant of Syracuse in Magna Graecia, was the son of Hipparinus, and brother-in-law of Dionysius I of Syracuse. A disciple of Plato, he became Dionysius I's most trusted minister and adviser. However, his great wealth, his belief in Platonism and his ambition aroused the suspicions of Dionysius I's son and successor, Dionysius II. An indiscreet letter from Dion to the Carthaginians led to his banishment. Settling in Athens, he lived a prosperous life until Dionysius II dispossessed him of his estates and income. Landing in Sicily in 357 BC, he was successful in conquering Syracuse (other than the citadel). However, Dion soon quarrelled with the radical leader Heraclides and was forced into exile. Recalled in 355 BC, he became master of the whole city but alienated the population with his imperious behaviour and financial demands. His supporters abandoned him, and he was assassinated. Dion's attempts to liberate Sicily only brought the island political and social chaos which lasted for nearly 20 years.
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- ⭐ Core Definition: Dion of Syracuse
- Dion of Syracuse in the context of Seventh Letter (Plato)
- Dion of Syracuse in the context of Calippus of Syracuse
Dion of Syracuse in the context of Seventh Letter (Plato)
The Seventh Letter of Plato is an epistle that tradition has ascribed to Plato. It is by far the longest of the epistles of Plato and gives an autobiographical account of his activities in Sicily as part of the intrigues between Dion and Dionysius of Syracuse for the tyranny of Syracuse. It also contains an extended philosophical interlude concerning the possibility of writing true philosophical works and the theory of forms. Assuming that the letter is authentic, it was written after Dion was assassinated by Calippus in 353 BC and before the latter was in turn overthrown a year later.
View the full Wikipedia page for Seventh Letter (Plato)Dion of Syracuse in the context of Calippus of Syracuse
Callippus (/kəˈlɪp.əs/; Ancient Greek: Κάλλιππος Συρακούσιος; Sicilian: Cal(l)ippu) was a tyrant of Syracuse, Magna Graecia, who ruled briefly for thirteen months from 354 to 352 BC. He was a native Athenian who traveled with Dion to Sicily to capture Syracuse, whence Dion became the tyrant. Callippus then gained power by assassinating Dion, but ruled briefly before being ousted from power himself. Afterwards he commanded a band of mercenaries, who later killed him with the same sword that he used to kill Dion.
View the full Wikipedia page for Calippus of Syracuse