After seizing power, Dionysius realized the profound strategic importance of the Epipolae Plateau for the city’s defense against Carthage. During the Peloponnesian War, the Athenian expeditionary force had occupied this very high ground, engaging in a protracted struggle over walls with the Syracusans.
Motivated by this realization, he mobilized over 6,000 freedmen. Spurred by his promise of citizenship, they constructed a wall nearly fifteen li long in a remarkably short time, enclosing the Epipolae Plateau—an area six times the size of the city center—within the fortifications of Syracuse.
With this, Syracuse became the largest city in the entire Greek world. To the east lay the sea and steep cliffs; to the west and north, rugged mountains made approach difficult; only the southwest faced the Great Harbor, yet even there, marshes and rivers hindered military movement. When the Carthaginian commander Himilco led his vast army to the walls of Syracuse, he found himself utterly helpless against this colossal city, eventually defeated by the outbreak of a plague.
Anxitanos’s carriage traveled toward the southeast corner of Syracuse, destined for the island of Ortygia.
Though called an island, it was connected to the mainland. It was the original colony of the Syracusans and later became the site of their acropolis. In most Greek city-states, the acropolis was located in the city center, yet Syracuse’s acropolis hung isolated overseas—a rather strange configuration.
Dionysius had chosen Ortygia specifically for its geographical position, building his palace there. having nearly been driven from power twice by riots of the Syracusan citizens, he learned his lesson well: he walled off the entire island, stationed a garrison there, and allowed only his friends and supporters to reside within. Naturally, the mansion of Philistus was also located on this island.
The carriage sped along until it stopped at the isthmus connecting Ortygia to the mainland.
Ahead lay a towering wall that completely cut off the road to the small island. In front of this wall stood a small but heavily fortified citadel. One could easily imagine that any enemy attacking from this point would be caught in a deadly pincer attack between the soldiers in the citadel and those on the wall.
Seeing such a layout, Anxitanos felt a deep emotion stir within him. He settled back into the carriage and whispered to Henipolis, “When a leader of a city-state guards against his own citizens to such an extent, how can he possibly win their love?”
“The citizens of Syracuse nearly took his life; being a tyrant isn’t easy!”
Having wandered through Syracuse for the past two days, Henipolis had learned a few things and expressed some understanding of Dionysius’s actions. “In comparison, Lord Davos is much more relaxed and free in Thurii.”
“Lord Davos is not a tyrant. You must remember that!” Anxitanos noticed Henipolis’s tendency to compare Davos’s status in Thurii with Dionysius and immediately corrected him with great seriousness. “Lord Davos doesn’t even harbor the thought of becoming a tyrant. Otherwise, he would never have created such a unique public office as the ‘Tribune’ to limit the power of those in authority!”
Anxitanos’s eyes were full of admiration. Henipolis nodded thoughtfully. After a moment, he asked hesitantly, “Teacher, do you think my father is a tyrant?”
***
After passing the interrogation of the city guards, the carriage passed through three successive gates before finally entering the island of Ortygia.
Philistus’s mansion was exceptionally luxurious. The reception hall, in particular, was tall and spacious. The floor was paved entirely with patterned marble, polished until it shone like a mirror. Finely carved, gold-inlaid lamps were arranged in a line on both sides, glittering with golden light. On every lampstand, five candles as thick as a man’s arm illuminated the hall as brightly as daylight. More than a dozen beautiful female slaves of various skin tones waited by every dining table.
Philistus, the heavy-weight minister who controlled the civil administration of Syracuse, had a somewhat frail figure. His handsome features exuded a scholarly air. At this moment, the smile on his face was as gentle as a spring breeze as he began to introduce the other guests at the banquet to Anxitanos.
“This is Leptines, the younger brother of the Strategy Autokrator Dionysius and the Admiral of the Syracusan Navy!”
“An honor to meet you!”
Both sides exchanged hurried greetings. Anxitanos looked at the man with curiosity; the younger brother of the Syracusan tyrant possessed a simple, honest face.
“And this is the minister of the Strategy Autokrator, my close friend Herolis!”
The middle-aged man Philistus introduced had a gaze as sharp as a blade. He stepped forward proactively. “Anxitanos of Thurii, I have long heard of your great name. Welcome! I visited Amendolara once a few years ago and met your Archon, Davos. Oh, he was not the Archon of Theonia then, but he left a very deep impression on me!”
Anxitanos bowed quickly to express his gratitude.
Philistus then introduced the next guest. “This is the General of Syracuse, Masias!”
Masias, a rugged-looking former leader of Campanian mercenaries, simply exchanged a brief greeting with Anxitanos.
Finally, Philistus led Anxitanos to the last guest. “This is also my close friend, the most famous lyric poet in all of Sicily—Philoxenus!”
The man named Philoxenus waved his hand dismissively. “Lord Philistus, you praise me too much. I am merely an ordinary man who loves music and poetry. I hold no position in Syracuse and cannot compare with them.” He pointed to the others. “If I hadn’t heard that you came from Thurii and were a scholar, I wouldn’t have come at all.”
Philoxenus’s blunt words caused a flicker of embarrassment on Philistus’s face. However, Henipolis, standing behind Anxitanos, asked with surprise and delight, “You are Philoxenus?! This is wonderful! The bards of Thurii often sing your verses, like ‘The autumn wind rustles, my heart in sorrow, where is my lover of yesterday…’ It is written so beautifully! …”
Philoxenus had not expected to meet an admirer from Thurii at this banquet and was quite surprised. “And you are?”
“Henipolis, a student of Anxitanos,” the young man answered hurriedly.
“He is also the only son of Avenogis, the Archon of Laos!” Masias interjected.
Anxitanos felt a chill in his heart. Seeing no change in the expressions of the others, it was clear they already knew his student’s identity. The Syracusans had evidently conducted a detailed investigation of his diplomatic mission long ago.
“A student? What are you studying with him?” Philoxenus, unfamiliar with Anxitanos, asked in surprise.
“I study Mediterranean history, train in writing composition, and assist in compiling my teacher’s books,” Henipolis replied.
Philoxenus looked at Anxitanos with astonishment and asked bluntly, “What book are you writing?”
Anxitanos replied humbly, “I wish to write a history of Southern Italy. I have only just begun and am traveling around to collect materials…”
“Alright, everyone, let us take our seats at the banquet. We can talk while we eat,” Philistus urged, and the group took their respective places.
Soon, servants brought out plates of dishes.
“I know the cuisine of Thurii is very famous. Unfortunately, I do not have a chef who can cook Thurii dishes. I hope these foods will satisfy you,” Philistus said to Anxitanos.
Anxitanos spread his arms, pointing to the food filling his table, and feigned surprise. “This is simply too lavish!”
Philistus laughed heartily and was about to speak.
Opposite him, Leptines spoke loudly, “I heard that most of Theonia’s delicacies were invented by your Archon Davos. Is this true?”
“You should know that those delicacies first appeared in the restaurant of Davos’s wife, Crystoia. Almost all Theonian citizens believe they were invented by Davos, and naturally, I am among them,” Anxitanos answered diplomatically.
“I heard that the games of rugby and football, popular in Magna Graecia, were also invented by him. Even your Theonian doctors call him ‘Teacher.’ As an Archon, and with the Theonian League being a powerful force, his affairs must be numerous. How could he possibly have so much energy to squander on these trivial matters?” Masias asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
“You have to admit, some people are favored by the gods and are born with more talent and energy than others. Such examples are rare, but not non-existent—like Periander, the former tyrant of Corinth… Moreover, our Archon is deeply favored by Hades!” Anxitanos replied calmly.
“How can your Archon compare to Periander, who created the glory of Corinth centuries ago?” Philoxenus interrupted.
Henipolis looked indignant, but Anxitanos quickly silenced him with a glance. Through their brief interaction, Anxitanos sensed that this Syracusan poet was a man of straightforward speech and heart.
So, with a solemn expression, he said, “But in the hearts of Theonian citizens, Archon Davos is far more important than Periander! Because he has led the army to defeat powerful enemies multiple times; he rebuilt the burned city of Thurii and conquered the barbarians in the mountains; he built roads to facilitate the people and prosper trade; he established hospitals to reduce sickness and injury; he funded the establishment of academies and schools to improve the quality of the people and encourage scholars to explore knowledge; he invented ball games and cuisine to entertain the masses; and he established fair laws to give citizens more rights…
“It was he who single-handedly created the Theonian League, keeping Magna Graecia—once plagued by constant war—in a state of peace for years. Therefore, some Theonian citizens even call him ‘Father’ in the assemblies. He is, without a doubt, the Father of the Theonian League!”
After listening, Philoxenus praised loudly, “If it is truly as you say, then I withdraw what I just said. Your Archon has done so much for Theonia in just a few years. He is indeed an extraordinary Archon. In some aspects… he has done even better than Dionysius!”