Gelon

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | 639 words | Copyright

Gelon , d. 478 BC, Greek Sicilian ruler. As tyrant of Gela, his native city, he interfered in the struggle for power in Syracuse (485 BC) and made himself the leader of the popular party there. From that time he ruled Syracuse and dominated Greek Sicily. In 480 BC, Hamilcar and his Carthaginians attacked Sicily in great force, landing at Panormus and advancing to besiege Gelon's father-in-law, Theron of Acragas, in Himera. Gelon came to his aid and crushed the Carthaginian army, which was the first great blow to Punic prestige. It is celebrated by Pindar in his great First Pythian. Gelon was succeeded by his brother Hiero I .

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