HIERONYMUS, king of Syracuse, grandson of Hieron II., succeeded to his grandfather at the age of fifteen, B.C. 216. Up to this time a close friendship had subsisted between the Romans and Syracusans. (See HIERON II.) But the battle of Cannæ, in which the Romans were so terribly defeated, disposed many of the Syracusans to join the Carthaginians. Hieron II. had appointed fifteen guardians, including Andranodorus and Zoippus, to guide the young prince, but through the intrigues of Andranodorus, who was favourable to the Carthaginians, the guardians were all induced to resign their office. The young prince was now entirely under the influence of Andranodorus and Zoippus, who were sons-in-law to Hieron II. Communications were at once opened up with Hannibal. The Carthaginian envoys were received with great favour, whereas the Roman envoys were treated with contumely. Hieronymus was preparing to take the field against the Romans with 15,000 men, when he was assassinated in Leontini by conspirators under Deinomenes. His short reign of one year and one month was disgraced by indulgence in luxury, debauchery, and cruelty. He is said to have desecrated the name of queen by raising a prostitute to that dignity.