Hippocrates of Gela facts for kids

Hippocrates (Greek: Ἱπποκράτης) was a powerful ruler, known as a tyrant, of the ancient city of Gela in Sicily. He ruled from 498 BC until his death in 491 BC. During his time, Gela grew to be a very strong and important city among the Greek colonies in Sicily.

Who Was Hippocrates?

Hippocrates was the second tyrant of Gela. A tyrant in ancient times was a ruler who took power, often by force, and held it completely. They were not always seen as bad leaders. Hippocrates followed his brother, Cleander, who had also been the ruler of Gela. Cleander died in 498 BC, and Hippocrates then took over.

Gela's Rise to Power

When Hippocrates became ruler, Gela began to expand its territory. His main goal was to take control of all of southeastern Sicily. He wanted to create a large and powerful state, with Gela as its main city. This would make Gela the most important city in the region.

Expanding Gela's Territory

Hippocrates was a very successful military leader. He made an agreement with the city of Agrigento. This alliance helped him conquer many other cities. He took control of Zancle, Camarina, Catana, Naxos, and Leontini. These victories made Gela much larger and richer.

He even tried to capture Syracuse, another major city. He surrounded Syracuse with his army, but he had to stop his attack. This was because other powerful cities, Corinth and Corcyra, got involved in the war. Even so, Gela became the most powerful and successful Greek city in Sicily under his rule.

The End of His Rule

Hippocrates died in battle in 491 BC. He was fighting against the Sicels, who were native people living in Sicily. Before he died, he named his sons, Euclides and Cleander, to rule after him. However, they did not rule for long. Soon after, a military leader named Gelo, who was in charge of the cavalry (soldiers on horseback), took over. Gelo then became the new tyrant of Gela.