Diodorus on Agathocles' coup
In 316, the Syracusan general Agathocles seized power in his native city, which meant the end of the period that had been inaugurated by Timoleon, in which the Sicilian cities had been independent and had regained some prosperity. However, the island remained politically divided and threatened from the west, where Carthage loomed large. During Agathocles' tyranny, which started with the massacre among the wealthy Syracusans, the lower classes of Sicily gained access to power.
Diodorus of Sicily tells the story in his Library of World History 19.9, basing himself on a hostile source, Timaeus of Tauromenium. The translation was made by M.M. Austin.
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[14.9.6] This done, he put an end to massacres and punishments, and undergoing a complete change showed himself considerate to the common people.note Conferring benefits on many, making encouraging promises to not a few, and by conversing in a friendly fashion with everyone he gained great favor. |
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[14.9.7] Although he wielded such great power, he did not assume a diadem, keep a bodyguard or seek to make himself difficult to approach, as is the custom with nearly all tyrants.note He also busied himself with the revenues and the manufactures of weapons and missiles and built more warships in addition to the existing ones. He also brought under control most of the forts and cities in the interior. |