Hieronymus of Syracuse

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Coin depicting Hieronymus of Syracuse
The Assassination of Hieronymus, King of Syracuse

Hieronymus (

Andranodorus and Zoippus. But the objects of this arrangement were quickly frustrated by the ambition of Andranodorus, who, in order to get rid of the interference of his colleagues, persuaded the young king to assume the reins of government, and himself set the example of resigning his office, which was followed by the other guardians. Hieronymus now became a mere tool in the hands of his two uncles, both of whom were favourable to the Carthaginian alliance. Thrason, the only one of his counsellors who retained any influence over his mind, and who was a staunch friend of the Romans, was soon got rid of by a charge of conspiracy.[1][2]

The young king now sent ambassadors to

Leontini, and dispatched him with numerous wounds, before his guards could come to his rescue, 214 BC.[1][2]

The short reign of Hieronymus had lasted only 13 months, and ancient, pro-Roman writers said his rule had presented the most striking contrast to that of his grandfather. Those writers, perhaps seeking to ingratiate themselves with the Roman victors, accused the young monarch of allowing himself to be seduced by the corrupting influences at court, and reputed to him a naturally bad disposition, at once weak and violent, and possessing the temperament of a childish tyrant. They wrote that from the moment of his accession he gave himself up to the influence of flatterers, who urged him to the vilest excesses: he assumed at once all the external pomp of royalty which Hiero had so studiously avoided; and while he plunged in the most shameless manner into every species of luxury and debauchery, he displayed the most unrelenting cruelty towards all those who became objects of his suspicion.

However,

prostitute, Peitho, on whom he bestowed the title and honors of a queen.[3][4][5]

References

  •  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Hiero'nymus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.
  1. ^
    Ab Urbe Condita
    24.4-7
  2. ^ a b Polybius, The Histories 7.2-6
  3. ^ Polybius, The Histories 7.7
  4. ^ Livy, Ab Urbe Condita 24.5
  5. ^ Athenaeus, Deipnosophists 13(b) 577
Preceded by:
Hiero II
Tyrant of Syracuse

215 BC – 214 BC 		Succeeded by:
Adranodoros
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