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Callippus of Syracuse

Background

Callippus of Syracuse was an ancient Greek philosopher, military leader, and conspirator, best known for his role in the assassination of Dion, the ruler of Syracuse, in the 4th century BCE. Callippus’s actions and their consequences are primarily recorded by historians such as Plutarch, whose accounts provide insights into the political intrigue and turbulence of Syracuse during this period.

Background and Early Life:

• Association with Dion: Callippus was initially a friend and supporter of Dion, a disciple of the philosopher Plato and a significant political figure in Syracuse. Dion sought to implement Plato's philosophical ideas and reform the governance of Syracuse.

Role in Syracuse:

1. Support for Dion:

   • Return from Exile: Dion had been exiled from Syracuse but returned to overthrow the tyrant Dionysius II with the support of friends and allies, including Callippus.
   • Military Leadership: Callippus played a role in Dion's military campaigns and efforts to secure power in Syracuse. He was considered a trusted companion and held a position of influence within Dion’s inner circle.

2. Conspiracy and Assassination:

   • Ambition and Betrayal: Despite his initial loyalty to Dion, Callippus's ambitions led him to conspire against his friend. Dissatisfied with his position and desiring power for himself, Callippus plotted Dion's assassination.
   • Execution of the Plot: In 354 BCE, Callippus orchestrated the murder of Dion. According to Plutarch, the assassination took place during a festival, and Callippus used treachery to carry out his plan, leveraging his close relationship with Dion to gain access and betray him.

Aftermath and Rule:

1. Brief Rule:

   • Seizing Power: Following Dion's assassination, Callippus seized power in Syracuse. His rule, however, was short-lived and marked by instability and opposition.
   • Lack of Support: Callippus struggled to maintain control over Syracuse. The manner of Dion's murder and Callippus’s betrayal led to widespread mistrust and resentment among the citizens and former supporters of Dion.

2. Downfall and Death:

   • Loss of Power: Callippus’s reign faced significant challenges, and he was unable to consolidate his position. His inability to secure loyalty and manage the political dynamics of Syracuse led to his eventual downfall.
   • Exile and Death: Callippus was eventually overthrown and forced into exile. According to historical accounts, he met a violent end, similar to the fate he had orchestrated for Dion, and was killed by those who had once supported him.

Historical Significance:

1. Political Intrigue:

   • Example of Treachery: Callippus’s betrayal of Dion is often cited as a notable example of political treachery in ancient Greek history. His actions highlight the dangers of ambition and the precarious nature of political alliances.
   • Impact on Syracuse: The assassination of Dion and the subsequent turmoil contributed to the ongoing instability in Syracuse, affecting the city’s political landscape and its governance.

2. Philosophical Context:

   • Connection to Plato: The events surrounding Dion and Callippus are significant in the context of Plato’s philosophical influence. Dion's attempt to implement Platonic ideas in Syracuse, and Callippus’s betrayal, illustrate the challenges of applying philosophical ideals to practical politics.

3. Historical Accounts:

   • Plutarch's Narratives: Much of what is known about Callippus comes from Plutarch’s "Lives," specifically in the biography of Dion. Plutarch’s account provides a detailed narrative of the events and the motivations behind Callippus’s actions.

Conclusion:

Callippus of Syracuse is remembered primarily for his role in the assassination of Dion and his brief, tumultuous rule over Syracuse. His story is one of ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of political power in ancient Greece. Callippus's actions and their repercussions underscore the fragile nature of political alliances and the often-violent struggles for power that characterized the period.

Sources

Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, p. 574

Plut. Dion. 28-58

Diod. Sic. xvi. 36

Polyaenus v. 4