HIERON, or HIERO I., tyrant of Syracuse, succeeded his brother Gelon, B.C. 478. Hieron had already distinguished himself at Himera. A jealousy soon arose between him and his brother Polyzelus, who had the command of the army. A war was on the point of breaking out between Hieron and Theron of Agrigentum, who had espoused the cause of Polyzelus, when a reconciliation took place between the brothers. Hiero now proceeded to extend his dominions. He seized Naxos and Catana, transferring the inhabitants to Leontini. He put Syracusans in Catana, and changed its name to Ætna. Upon the death of Theron war broke out between Hieron and Thrasylæus, son of Theron, but victory declared in favour of Hieron. His tyrannical measures led him to fear attempts against his life, and hence we are told that he kept up a large body of mercenaries, as well as numerous spies. He deserves credit, however, in two important respects. By his vigorous assistance to the Cumæans, the power of the Æturan pirates was completely destroyed, B.C. 474. Of the spoils consecrated after this victory, a helmet of bronze was discovered about forty years ago. Besides defeating the pirates, Hiero was the patron of poets and philosophers. He has been immortalized in the Odes of Pindar as a successful competitor at the Grecian games. Amongst the eminent men patronized by Hiero, are found the names of Pindar, Æschylus, Xenophanes, Simonides, and Epicharmus. Hieron died at Catana, B.C. 467.