Hieronymus of Syracuse.

About Hieronymus of Syracuse

Hieronymus was a tyrant of Syracuse, Sicily. He succeeded his grandfather, Hiero II, in 215 BC. He was at this time only fifteen years old, and he ascended the throne at a crisis full of peril, as the Battle of Cannae had given a shock to the power of the Roman Republic, the influence of which had been felt in Sicily. Though this had not shaken the fidelity of the aged Hiero, a large faction in Syracuse was already disposed to abandon the alliance with Rome in favor of one with Carthage. The young prince had already given indications of weakness, if not depravity of disposition, which had alarmed his grandfather, and caused him to confide the guardianship of Hieronymus to a council of fifteen persons, among whom were his two sons-in-law, 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.