Gelon

Gelon (c.540–478 BC), tyrant of Gela (c.491–485) and subsequently of Syracuse (485–478), in (Greek) Sicily. During his tyranny Syracuse became the leading Hellenic power of the time; the mainland Greeks sought his aid against Persia (in the Persian Wars), but withdrew on his making it a condition that he should have supreme command. In alliance with Theron, tyrant of Acragas, he defeated at Himera in 480 a great Carthaginian expedition, traditionally on the same day as the Greeks defeated the Persians at Salamis.