ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 701 Syracuse’s Choice

When power once again fell into the hands of the Syracuse democrats, Theagenes, Phalaicus, Staxicos and others who had learned the lessons of the past did not come up with a strange government system of 25 generals as before, but It restored the traditional democratic system of Syracuse, the Ten Generals, the Hundred People's Council, and the Citizens' Assembly, and continued some of the policies and bills implemented when Herolis was in power, while also paying war reparations to Dionia. Payments are also continuing.

In the years since Syracuse was defeated by Dionia, its political situation has been in turmoil, draining the energy and enthusiasm of the people and leaving some elites disappointed with Syracuse's prospects. For example, Philosanus accepted the invitation of the Dionia Academy and went to Thurii to teach. At the same time, he also wrote to King Davos several times, asking him to reduce the war compensation he demanded from Syracuse. .

It was not until the 11th year of the Kingdom of Dionia that Davos generously wrote off the war compensation.

Syracuse's political situation once again regained stability and began to gradually regain its vitality.However, in the previous turmoil, Syracuse's agriculture and trade were severely hit. Many free people and merchants fled here and chose the booming Catanai.

When the quiet people of Syracuse opened their eyes and looked outside, they suddenly discovered that Syracuse, which once dominated Sicily and was powerful in the Western Mediterranean, was now not as strong as a former enemy of the Kingdom of Dionia. The city of Catanay, and the allies that used to crowd around Syracuse, such as Camanlina, Gela, Agrigento and many other city-states, have long severed ties with Syracuse and instead went to curry favor. Dionia...

The people of Syracuse not only cherish the glory of the past, but also hate the culprit that caused all this - Dionia, and most of the tax revenue received by Syracuse every year is used to pay war reparations.Therefore, a strange phenomenon occurred on the island of Sicily: while all the Greek city-states in Sicily were on good terms with the Kingdom of Dionia, Syracuse was alienating this powerful neighbor from top to bottom.They rejected every celebration invitation from Dionia, but had many disputes and conflicts with Dionia's allied city-states, Leotini and Taunis, over land issues on the border.

These performances of Syracuse were seen by Carthage, so this time the envoys sent by Carthage were tasked with "letting Syracuse join the alliance against the Kingdom of Dionia".

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In the Syracuse City Hall, the ten Syracuse generals looked a little solemn after the Carthage envoy walked out of the conference room.

"I don't understand. Dionia and Carthage have maintained friendly relations for more than ten years. Why is there suddenly a war?!" General Sictas from the port area asked doubtfully .Compared with the people of Syracuse in other areas, the civilians in the port area still have a good impression of Dionia, because with the help of the Dionia, the civilians in the port area finally organized and resisted Dionia. The tyranny of Onisius thus formed a force that cannot be ignored in the political arena of Syracuse.

"Don't you understand? The reason why Carthage and Dionia can maintain friendly exchanges for more than ten years is because they both need time to restore their own strength. In fact, not only Sicily, but the entire Western Mediterranean also accommodates There are no less than two powerful countries, and they will inevitably go to war because of conflicts of interest. It used to be Carthage and our Syracuse, but now it is just replaced by Dionia..." Paronisus' voice Low, as if recalling the past of Syracuse.As an official who once served Dionysius, after the riot, due to the opposition of his sailors, he did not join the war to suppress the rebels, and thus later escaped punishment.In the subsequent war to overthrow the murderer Andermachus, he fought bravely and made great achievements, which won the recognition of the people and was elected as a general several times.

"If there is a war between Dionia and Carthage, it will be a great opportunity for us in Syracuse! Over the years, since Dionia has occupied Catanai, Naxos and Siku in Sicily After these cities, Syracuse has had a great impact on us. Freedmen are more willing to live in Catana and Naxos, and merchant ships are more willing to go to Catana for trade. Other city-states in Sicily are also more willing to go to Catana and Naxos to live. I am more willing to interact with them. If this continues, when can we Syracuse regain its former glory!" Chief General Theagenis obviously supports cooperation with Carthage to fight against Dionia.

"But, can Carthage defeat Dionia?" Kuchias expressed worry. More than ten years ago, he experienced the war that determined the Greek hegemony in the Western Mediterranean, and heard and witnessed Dionia. A legion landed in Sicily and finally defeated an army of tens of thousands led by Mathias.

"Yeah, Dionia's army is too powerful! The year before last, they easily defeated the Sikels and occupied many of their towns. Now the Sikels are like dogs around Dio The Dionysian people turn." Falekus took over. As a comrade who once fought side by side with the Dionysian army and jointly overthrew the rule of Dionysius, he knew the strength of Dionysia and he also did not support fighting with Dionysius. Dionia opposed: "Our strength in Syracuse is no longer what it used to be. We have been surrounded by Dionia cities and its friendly allies. Once we declare war on Dionia, their armies can Kill us immediately. The Dionians may be looking forward to us breaking the agreement so that they can attack the city of Syracuse and achieve the goal of unifying eastern Sicily! "

Silence fell in the conference room.Over the years, as time passed, the generals all knew that the reason why Syracuse could exist independently was because of the agreement reached between Carthage, Sparta, and Dionia.

At this time, Staxikos said in a deep voice: "Everyone, if we don't provoke Dionia, will Dionia let Syracuse go? Once Carthage is defeated, Syracuse can still maintain Is independence possible?! No! Like Catanai, Crotone, and Locle, we will be forced to integrate into the Kingdom of Dionia and become an ordinary city, losing the long history and glory that makes us proud. !So, I think helping Carthage means helping ourselves!”

The other generals were moved by Stacekos' words.

"Everyone, you have only seen how powerful Dionia is, but Carthage is also very powerful. In these years, the Carthaginians conquered Numbia in the interior of Africa, and also conquered the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula , the land they own is even wider than the Kingdom of Dionia. When Carthage fought with us more than ten years ago, it was able to organize an army of 10 people, and it can be easily achieved now!"

Theagenis waved his arms excitedly, trying to persuade the other generals: "In addition, don't forget Carthage's ally, Rome, which may soon fight Dionia. It is also very powerful and is Italy. The overlord in the middle, with its powerful heavy infantry, is by no means so easy to deal with. Carthage and Rome joining hands have made it difficult for Dionia to resist, not to mention listening to the words of the Carthage envoy just now, they are still There are other helpers... Dionia has fallen into a heavy siege arranged by Carthage. If we don't join at this time, what are we waiting for!"

The people of Syracuse have had close military and trade relations with the west coast of Italy for decades, especially the Campania League. Although the Campania League has fallen to Dionia in recent years, their hearts The unwilling people of Syracuse did not pay less attention there, so they knew the situation in Rome better.

"More than ten years ago, Dionysius also put Dionia into a tight siege. What was the result? We all know it." Sictas said lightly.

"But this time it's different!" Theagenis glared at him and wanted to continue to persuade.

Xiktas said coldly: "It is true that this time is different, because compared with more than ten years ago, Dionia's territory has increased several times, and its strength has also increased several times."

Theagenis was choked when he heard this, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

At this time, Phalaicus said thoughtfully: "I think this can be done. Let's not agree to the Carthaginians first, so that we will not blindly put Syracuse in a dangerous situation. If, Carthage It has indeed declared war on Dionia and has a great advantage, so it is not too late for us to join it."

"I agree." Kuchias immediately agreed: "This is the prudent approach!"

Soon, several other generals also expressed their approval, including Stysikos.

Theagenis nodded helplessly in the end, but he was very angry in his heart: he can be said to be the most powerless chief general in Syracuse in so many years.Some of the other generals either participated in the rebellion against Dionysius that year, had a deep fighting friendship and gained many supporters; or some were representatives of some special public groups.After he escaped from Syracuse, his foundation in the city had already been wiped out, and because he first provoked the rebellion against Herolis, he was suppressed again after Herolis successfully returned, and finally gathered together. The people who supported him left him again.

The reason why Theagenis, who does not have the support of strong strength, has been able to serve as the chief general for two consecutive years is because the citizens of Syracuse need a person with little strength but fame like him to balance a group of powerful Hercules. Rollis's former friends, avoid creating a dictatorship.

However, Telgennis, who has a stubborn and strong personality, has always believed that he is the one who can help Syracuse regain its glory.

　Thanks to Big Face Cat Face, Thirteen Cats, and Yijian 68 for the rewards!Your support is my motivation to write! !
　　
　
(End of this chapter)