Syracusan history was defined by a steady stream of 'tyrants' - dictatorial leaders who rejected traditional Greek democracy in favour of a form of kingship. Amongst the most notable tyrants was Hiero II, who seized control of the city-state following the departure from Sicily of the Hellenistic king Pyrrhus of Epirus in 275BC. Made king in 270BC following his successful campaign against the marauding Mamertines of Messana, Hiero II ruled for an incredible sixty years, and proved a fair and popular ruler who led Syracuse through many prosperous years - the 'golden age' of its history. During his reign the city was expanded, including the creation of the huge 'Altar of Hieron' and the further development of its great theatre. Although initially allied to Carthage at the outbreak of the First Punic War, the king eventually made peace and was made a 'friend of Rome'. However, upon Hiero's death in 215BC his successor, Hieronymous, broke his longstanding treaties and once again aligned Syracuse with Carthage, which very soon led to its downfall at Roman hands. Following their annexation of the city, the Romans adopted Hiero II's taxation system, which became known as the Lex Hieronica.
