Hiero II

Hiero II., illegitimate son of Hierocles, a descendant of Gelon, on account of his military talents displayed against the Mamertines was elected King of Syracuse (270 B.C.). The Romans having espoused the cause of his enemies, he joined Hanno, the Carthaginan invader; but, having been defeated by Appius Claudius, came to terms on condition that he should rule over the south-eastern part of the island. Henceforward he was a staunch ally of the Republic during both the first and second Punic Wars. He died in 216.