Sicily. Syracuse. Hiketas II 287-278 BC. Bronze Æ

Sicily. Syracuse. Hiketas II 287-278 BC.
Bronze Æ

23 mm, 7,15 g

ΣYPAKOΣIΩN, head of Persephone tleft, wearing wreath of grain ears / Charioteer driving galloping biga right.

Good Very Fine

HGC 2, 1446.

Hicetas II, also known as Hiketas II, was a tyrant of Syracuse who ruled during the 4th century BC. He is often referred to as Hicetas II to distinguish him from an earlier Hicetas who also held power in Syracuse. Hicetas II came to power in Syracuse after the assassination of Agathocles, another tyrant who had ruled the city. He initially allied himself with Carthage against the expanding power of Syracuse's Greek neighbors, but later turned against them. During his rule, Hicetas II faced several challenges, including conflicts with other tyrants and rival factions within Syracuse. He was known for his efforts to maintain control over the city and its territories, often employing ruthless tactics to suppress opposition. Hicetas II's reign came to an end when he was overthrown by another Syracusean tyrant, Hiero II, with the support of the Syracusan people. After his overthrow, Hicetas II's fate is not well-documented, and details of his later life and death are uncertain. However, his rule represents a tumultuous period in the history of Syracuse, marked by political instability and power struggles among rival factions.