Syracuse
The wealthiest Greek colony in Sicily, founded by Corinthians and home to Archimedes, connected to myths of Arethusa and the cult of Demeter.
The Story of Syracuse
Syracuse was founded in 734 BC by Corinthian settlers led by Archias, who consulted the Oracle at Delphi before departing. The colony's most sacred site was the spring of Arethusa on the island of Ortygia, where the nymph Arethusa emerged after fleeing the river god Alpheus through an underground passage from the Peloponnese. Demeter and Persephone were the city's chief deities, and the great altar of Hieron II was dedicated to Zeus Eleutherios. The tyrant Dionysius I fortified Syracuse into the most powerful city in the western Greek world. Pindar composed odes for its Olympic victors. Aeschylus staged plays there and died in the city. Plato visited the court of Dionysius II three times, attempting to create his ideal state. The Romans finally captured it in 212 BC despite Archimedes' war machines.
Parents
Corinth (mother city)
Symbols
Fun Fact
Archimedes' defence of Syracuse against Rome in 214-212 BC was so ingenious — catapults, cranes that lifted ships, possibly focusing mirrors — that it delayed a Roman siege for two years. When Syracuse finally fell, a Roman soldier killed Archimedes despite orders to capture him alive. His last words were reportedly "Do not disturb my circles" — making it history's most famous case of a mathematician annoying a soldier.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
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🏛 placeGeography
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🏛 placeGeography
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🏛 placebirth, Apollo, trade
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🏛 placeIsland kingdom of Odysseus
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