Dion of Syracuse - Recovering Syracuse

Recovering Syracuse

At Syracuse, the navy had defeated a cargo convoy, which was destined to the Acropolis, capturing some ships. This ensued in a boisterous celebration of alcohol, which involved all citizens, throughout the streets. Before such extreme unrestraint, Nypsius (who had commanded the vessels) ordered an unexpected sally and his soldiers pillaged the city at will. As the Syracusans couldn't reunite their forces and they were about losing everything, they sent an embassy, which rushed toward Lentini. They jumped from their horses, kneeling before Dion with tears on their eyes, and, in a consequent assembly, they related the events. Then, weeping emotionally, Dion could utter: "Peloponnesians and Sicilians! I have convoked you so you may decide your own actions. For my part, I am decided already, to perish for my nation at Syracuse, whether victoriously or not. Remember that I have been with you in many battles. However, neither I have deserted you at your worst moments nor I will disappoint my nation, at its worst adversity." The entire assembly burst, with euphoric shouts, and Dion announced that (after a supper) all soldiers should muster, to march toward Syracuse, on that same night.

However, learning about Dion's imminent arrival, the despot decided, burying the entire Syracuse together with his own spurned despotic dreams, so he ordered to his men that the urban center should be ignited. During that night, the entire Syracuse burned while its citizens were slain, throughout the streets. On the next day, the now popularly demanded Dion mustered, at the Syracusan Hecatompedon, dispatching his light troops (to encourage the Syracusans, right away) and commending all the available troops (which could be gathered), to the respective military leaders. Subsequently, Dion headed the troops splendidly, across the streets, cheered by the local people. However, whereas the enemy had hidden, behind the destroyed palisade of the acropolis, the liberating soldiers were unable, to reach it, through the intense fire and its dense smoke. They were the Syracusans, who encouraged spontaneously, to charge onto the enemy, which ended retreating back into the fortification. Dion captured 2,000 enemies (who were ransomed later). However, they couldn't celebrate much for (then) they had, to deal with the blazing Syracuse and its reconstruction. Nonetheless, with both the local people and his own soldiers, Dion rebuilt the palisade of the acropolis, during a single night.