Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece

After Dionysius came to power, in order to fight against Carthage, he was deeply aware of the strategic position of the Epipole Heights next to the city for the city's defense (during the Peloponnesian War, Athens' expedition to Sicily was a great force. It was to occupy this place, and to engage in a long battle for the walls with the Syracuses), so he mobilized more than 6,000 free men, who, spurred by the promise of citizenship, built in a very short time a long A wall of about 15 miles encloses the city of Syracuse with the Epipole heights six times the size of the central area.

So far, Syracuse has become the largest city in Greece. And it is close to the sea in the east, with steep cliffs; both the west and the north rely on the mountains, 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. Under the city of Syracuse, there was nothing to do with this huge city, and it was finally defeated by the outbreak of the plague.

Ancitanos's carriage drove toward the southeast corner of the city of Syracuse, and the destination was Ortigia. It is said that it is an island, but it is actually connected to the land. It was the original colony of the Syracuses and later became the seat of the Acropolis of the Syracuses. While most Greek city-states had their acropolis almost in the center of the city, it was odd that the acropolis of Syracuse was isolated.

Dionysius just took a fancy to the location of Ortigia Island and built his palace on the island. For the lessons of being ousted by the citizens of Syracuse in two riots, he surrounded the entire island with a city wall, equipped with a garrison, and only allowed his friends and supporters to live on the island. Of course, his mansion is also located on the island.

The carriage galloped all the way, and stopped when it reached the isthmus connecting Ortigia with the land. In front of the carriage was a tall city wall that completely cut off the road to the island. In front of the city wall there is a small but strong castle. It is conceivable that if an enemy attacks from here, they will be strangled by the front and rear of the castle and the city wall soldiers at the same time.

Ancitanos was deeply moved by this arrangement, returned to the carriage, and whispered to Henepolis: How can the leader of a city-state be so defensive about its citizens, how can it be possible to get the citizens' attention? Love it!

The citizen of Syracuse almost killed him, and it's not easy to be a tyrant! Henepolis wandered around the city of Syracuse for the past two days, but he understood some things. Nisius also expressed his understanding: In comparison, Lord Davos is much more relaxed in Turiyi.

Lord Davos, he is not a tyrant, you must keep this in mind! Ancitanos found that Henepolis had a tendency to compare Davos' position in Turii with that of Dionysius, and immediately Seriously reminded: Lord Davos doesn't even have the idea of ​​being a tyrant, otherwise he wouldn't have created the peculiar public office of 'Tribune' to limit the power of those in power!

Ancitanos' eyes were full of 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 inspection of the city guards, it passed through three city gates in a row and entered Ortigia Island.

The mansion of Philistos is quite luxurious, especially the tall and spacious living room. The floor is completely paved with marble with colorful patterns, polished as smooth as a mirror; the finely carved gold lamps are lined up from both sides. There are five candles as thick as arms on each lamp post, which illuminate the hall as bright as day; in the hall, there are more than a dozen beautiful female servants of different skin colors to serve each table.

Philistos, the high-ranking official of Dionysius who controlled the civil affairs of Syracuse, was a little thin, and his handsome appearance revealed a literati atmosphere. 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 Ancitanos.

This is Leputines, brother of the Plenipotentiary General Dionysius, the Admiral of Syracuse!

Long time!

Both sides greeted each other busyly.

Ancitanos looked at each other 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 Heroris! The middle-aged man whom Philistos said had sharp eyes, he took the initiative to meet him and said: Ancita of Turii North, I've heard your name long ago, you're welcome! I went to Amendolara once a few years ago and met your Archon Davos. Oh, he wasn't Dionysian back then Archon, but he made a very deep impression on me!

Ancitanos hurriedly saluted and thanked him.

Philistos introduced him to the next one: This is Marcias, the general of Syracuse!

The rough-looking former Campania mercenary leader Macias simply greeted Ancitanos.

Philostos leads Ancitanos to the last guest: This is also my dear friend, the most famous musical poet in all Sicily - Philosanus!

The man named Philosanus said: Lord Philistos, you praise me too much. I am just an ordinary person who likes music and poetry, and I have no position in Syracuse. You can't compare with them. He pointed to the previous ones: If I hadn't heard that you are from Turii and you are a scholar at the same time, I would not have come.

Philosanus' straightforward words made Philistos look a little embarrassed, but Henepolis, who was behind Ancitanos, asked in surprise, You are Pherosanus?! This is really nice. The troubadours of Turiyi often sing your poems, such as 'The autumn wind is rustling, my heart is sad, where is my former lover, now...' It is so well written!  …”

Ferrosanus didn't expect to meet an admirer from Turii at the banquet, and was a little surprised: Is it from you?

Hernepolis, student of Ancitanos, the young man replied hastily.

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

Ancitanos froze in his heart, and when he looked at the other people's faces, there was no difference. Obviously, he already knew the identity of his students. It seemed that the Syracuses had already conducted a detailed investigation of their mission.

Student? What did you learn from him? Philosanus asked in surprise, not knowing Ancitanos.

Learn the history of the Mediterranean, while training in writing articles and participating in the compilation of teachers' books, replied Henepolis.

Pherothanus looked at Ancitanos 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 is just the beginning, and I am collecting information everywhere...

Okay, everyone, let's go back to the banquet first and chat while eating. At the urging of Philistos, everyone took their seats.

Soon, the servants served plates of dishes.

I know that the cuisine of Turii is very famous, but unfortunately I don't have a chef who can make Turii cuisine. I hope these foods will satisfy you. Philistos said to Ancitalos.

Ancitanos opened his arms, pointed to the food on his dining table, and pretended to be surprised: This is simply too rich!

Philistos laughed and was about to speak.

Opposite Leputines said loudly: I heard that most of Dionia's delicacies were invented by your consul, Davos, is this true?

You must know that the food originally came from the restaurant of Davos' wife Cristoia. Almost all citizens of Dionysus believe that Davos invented it, including me of course. Ancitanos A tactful answer.

I heard that football and football popular in Greece were also invented by him. Even your doctors in Dioria call him a teacher. As a consul, the Dionysian League is also a powerful force. There must be many, how could he still have so much energy to squander on these little things? Macias's words revealed a tone of doubt.

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

How can your consuls be compared to Periander, who made Corinth glorious hundreds of years ago? Ferrosanus interjected.

Henepolis looked angry, Ancitanos hurriedly stopped him with his eyes. Through the contact just now, Ancitanos felt that the poet of Syracuse was a straightforward person, so he said solemnly: But in the hearts of the citizens of Dionia, the consul Davos is far more Periande is much more important! Because he led his army to defeat powerful enemies many times, rebuild the burnt Turii, conquer the barbarians in the mountains; build roads to facilitate the people and prosper trade; build hospitals to reduce people's injuries and illnesses ; Funding the establishment of academies and schools, improving the quality of the people, encouraging scholars to explore knowledge; inventing ball games and gourmet food to entertain the public; and establishing fair laws to allow citizens to have more rights... Dioni created by him The Asian city-state alliance has made Great Greece, which has been in constant wars in the past, at peace in the past few years, and there has been no war. Therefore, some Dionysian citizens even called him 'father' at the assembly, and he deserves to be a member of the Diorian Alliance. father!

After listening to Ferrosanus, he praised loudly: If it is really what you said, then I will take back what I just said. Your consuls have done for Dionia in just a few years. In so many things, he is indeed a great consul, in some ways... better than Dionysius!