Hiero II, king of Syracuse from 270 to 216 BC, was born in Syracuse around 300 BC to a family of humble origins.
In the battles against the Carthaginians he came to be recognised for his honour and courage, so much so that he was appointed strategist in 275.
During his reign he adopted a policy of peace with both the Romans and the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, guaranteeing Syracuse a period of growth and prosperity.
The tax system he invented was then extended by the Romans to the whole of Sicily.
