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Savoca Coins
Online Auction 209 | Silver  28 Apr 2024
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Lot 34

Starting price: 50 EUR
Price realized: 110 EUR
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Sicily. Syracuse. Timoleon and the Third Democracy 344-317 BC.
Dilitron Æ

26 mm, 16,83 g

[ΖΕΥΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ], laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios left / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, horse rearing left.

Very Fine

CNS 80; HGC 6, 1439

Timoleon was a Greek statesman and general from Corinth who lived during the 4th century BC. He played a crucial role in the history of Sicily, particularly in the city of Syracuse, during a period of political turmoil and foreign intervention. In 344 BC, Timoleon was chosen by the Corinthians to lead a military expedition to Sicily to aid the Greek cities against the tyrant Dionysius II of Syracuse and the Carthaginians, who were vying for control of the island. Timoleon's forces defeated both Dionysius II and the Carthaginians, restoring freedom to the Sicilian cities.
After his victories, Timoleon worked to establish democratic governments in the cities he liberated and enacted reforms to promote stability and prosperity. He encouraged the settlement of Greek colonists in Sicily and promoted agriculture and trade. Timoleon's most significant achievement was the Battle of Crimisus in 339 BC, where his forces decisively defeated the Carthaginians, securing Greek dominance in Sicily for a time. Despite his military successes and efforts to establish democratic governance, Timoleon faced opposition and intrigue from rival factions in Syracuse. However, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the welfare of Sicily and continued to work for the island's benefit until his death in 337 BC. Timoleon's legacy is that of a statesman and liberator who played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Sicily. He is remembered as one of the greatest figures of classical Greece, admired for his integrity, leadership, and dedication to the principles of democracy and freedom.

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