ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 364
After Dionysius came to power, in order to fight against Carthage, he was deeply aware of the strategic position of the Epipole Highlands close to the city for the city's defense (during the Peloponnesian War, Athens' army expedition to Sicily He occupied this place and fought a long battle for the city wall with the Syracuse people), so he mobilized more than 6000 free people. Stimulated by the promise to grant them citizenship, they built a long road in a short period of time. About 15 miles of city walls surround the city of Syracuse from the Epipole Highlands, which is six times the area of ​​the central area.

At this point, Syracuse became the largest city in Greece.It is adjacent to the sea and steep cliffs in the east; it relies on mountainous areas in the west and north, and the road is difficult to climb; only the southwest is close to the big port, but there are also swamps and rivers that hinder the march. When the Carthaginian commander Himilco led his army to attack Under the city of Syracuse, there was nothing they could do against this giant city, and they were ultimately defeated due to an outbreak of plague.

The carriage Ansitanus was riding in was heading towards the southeast corner of the city of Syracuse, its destination being the island of Ortygia.It is said to be an island, but in fact it is connected to the mainland.It was the original colony of the Syracusans and later became the site of their acropolis.The acropolis of most Greek city-states is almost in the center of the city, but the acropolis of Syracuse is isolated offshore, which is quite strange.

Dionysius happened to take a fancy to the geographical location of Ortygia and built his palace on the island.Based on the lesson of being thrown out of power by the Syracuse citizen riots twice, he surrounded the entire island with a city wall and equipped with a garrison, allowing only his friends and supporters to live on the island. Philisto Of course Si's mansion is also located on the island.

The carriage galloped all the way and stopped when it reached the isthmus connecting Ortygia Island to the mainland.In front of the carriage was a tall city wall, completely cutting off the road to the island.There is also a small but strong castle in front of the city wall.It is conceivable that if an enemy attacks from here, they will be strangled by the soldiers from the castle and the city wall at the same time.

Ansitanos was deeply moved when he saw such an arrangement. He returned to the carriage and whispered to Henipolis: "How can a city-state leader be so wary of its citizens? How can it be possible to get the support of the citizens?" Love!”

"The citizens of Syracuse almost killed him. It's not easy to be a tyrant!" Henipolis wandered around the city of Syracuse in the past two days and learned some things about Dio. Nisius' actions also showed his understanding: "In comparison, Master Davos is much more relaxed in Tuliyi."

"Master Davos is not a tyrant, you must remember this!" Ansitanos discovered that Henipolis had a tendency to compare Davos's status in Thurii with Dionysius, and immediately Seriously reminded: "Lord Davos doesn't even have the idea of ​​​​being a tyrant, otherwise he would not create the strange public office of 'tribune' to limit the power of those in power!"

Ansitanos's eyes were filled with admiration, and Henepolis nodded thoughtfully.After a while, he asked hesitantly: "Teacher, do you think my father is a tyrant?"

...............................

After the carriage passed the interrogation of the city guards, it passed through three city gates and entered Ortygia Island.

Philistos's mansion is quite luxurious, especially the living room, which is tall and spacious. The floor is completely paved with colorful patterned marble, polished as smooth as a mirror; finely carved gold-inlaid lamps are lined up from both sides. The golden light was shining; there were five candles as thick as arms on each lamppost, illuminating the hall as bright as day; there were more than a dozen beautiful slave girls of different skin colors waiting around each table in the hall.

Philistos, the important minister of Dionysius who controls the civil affairs of Syracuse, is a little thin and thin, with a literati atmosphere under his handsome appearance.At this moment, the smile on his face was as kind as the spring breeze, and he began to introduce the other guests at the banquet to Ansitanos.

"This is Leptinius, the brother of the all-powerful general Dionysius, the naval commander of Syracuse!"

"Long time!"

Both parties busily saluted and said hello.Ansitanos looked at the other person curiously. The younger brother of the tyrant of Syracuse had a simple and honest appearance.

"This is the minister of the Plenipotentiary General, my dear friend Herolis!" The middle-aged man Philistos mentioned had sharp eyes. He took the initiative to greet him and said: "Ancita of Thurii North, I have heard of your name a long time ago. Welcome! I went to Amendolara a few years ago and met your consul Davos. Oh, he was not from Dionia at that time. Archon, but he made a very deep impression on me!"

Ansitanos quickly saluted and expressed his gratitude.

Philistus introduced him to the next person: "This is Mathias, the general of Syracuse!"

The rough-looking former Campanian mercenary leader Mathias simply greeted Ancitanos.

Philistus led Ansitanus to the last guest: "This is also my dear friend, the most famous musical poet in Sicily - Philosanus!"

But the man named Philosanus said: "Master Philistus, you praise me too much. I am just an ordinary person who likes music and poetry. I don't hold any position in Syracuse. There is no comparison with them." He pointed to the people in front of him: "If I hadn't heard that you are from Thurii and you are a scholar, I would not have come."

Feroxanus's blunt words made Philistos feel a little embarrassed, but Henipolis behind Ancitanos asked in surprise: "You are Feroxanus?! This is really great The troubadours of Thurii often sing your poems, such as 'The autumn wind is rustling, my heart is sad, where is my former lover...' It is really good to write!..."

Philosanus did not expect to meet an admirer from Thurii at the banquet, and was quite surprised: "Who are you from?"

"Henipolis, student of Ansitanos." The young man replied hastily.

"He is also the only son of Avinogis, the consul of Laos!" Mathias said.

Ansitanos felt a shiver in his heart. Looking at the faces of the other people, there was nothing strange about them. It was obvious that they already knew the identity of his students. It seemed that the people of Syracuse had already conducted a detailed investigation on his mission.

"Student? What are you studying with him?" Philosanus, who didn't know Ansitanos, asked in surprise.

"Study Mediterranean history, while training in writing articles and participating in the compilation of teachers' books." Hennipolis answered.

Philosanus looked at Ansitanos in surprise and asked bluntly: "What book are you writing?"

Ancitanos said humbly: "I want to write a book about the history of southern Italy. It's just the beginning and I'm collecting information from everywhere..."

"Okay, everyone, let's sit back at the banquet and chat while we eat." Under Philistus' urging, everyone took their seats.

Soon, the slaves brought plates of dishes.

"I know that Turiyi's food is very famous, but unfortunately I don't have a chef who can cook Turiyi food. I hope these foods will satisfy you." Philistos said to Ancitalos.

Ansitanos opened his arms, pointed at the food on his table, and said in surprise: "This is so rich!"

Philistus laughed and was about to speak.

Leptinius on the opposite side said loudly: "I heard that most of the delicacies in Dionia were invented by your consul Davos. Is this true?"

"You must know that those delicacies originally came from the restaurant of Davos's wife Crystal. Almost all Dionian citizens believe that Davos invented it, including me of course." Ansitanos A tactful reply.

"I heard that he invented rugby and football, which were popular in Magna Graecia. Even your doctors in Dioria call him teacher. As a consul, the Dioria Alliance is also a powerful force, and affairs There must be many, how could he still have so much energy to waste on these small things?" Mathias said with a suspicious tone.

"You have to admit that some people are favored by the gods and are born with more talents and more energy than others. Although such examples are rare, they are not uncommon, such as the former tyrant Periander of Corinth... What's more, our consul is deeply favored by Hades!" Ancitanos replied calmly.

"How can your consuls compare with Periander, who created the glory of Corinth hundreds of years ago?" Philosanus interjected.

Henepolis looked angry, but Ansitanos stopped him with his eyes.Through the previous contact, Ansitanos felt that the Siracusa poet was an outspoken person, so he said solemnly: "But in the hearts of the citizens of Dionia, Consul Davos is far more powerful than Periander is much more important! Because he led his army to defeat powerful enemies many times, rebuilt the burned Thurii, and conquered the barbarians in the mountains; he built roads to facilitate the people and prospered trade; he built hospitals to reduce people's injuries and illnesses. ; Funding the establishment of academies and schools to improve the quality of the people and encouraging scholars to explore knowledge; inventing ball games and food to entertain the public; and establishing fair laws to allow citizens to have more rights... He created Dioni The Asian city-state alliance has made Magna Greece, which has been constantly wary in the past, at peace in the past few years. Therefore, some Diorian citizens even called him 'father' at the rally. He deserves to be the leader of the Diorian alliance. father!"

After listening to this, Philosanus praised loudly: "If it is really like what you said, then I want to take back what I just said. Your consul has made great achievements for Dionia in just a few years. He was indeed a great consul for so many things, in some ways... even better than Dionysius!"

　Thanks to Edward Zhao Zidong for the reward!Your support is my biggest motivation for writing! !

　　
　
(End of this chapter)