Key Facts
- Year
- 387 BC
- Attacker
- Syracuse under Dionysius I
- Outcome
- City captured, inhabitants sold into slavery
- Strategic prize
- Control of the Strait of Messina
- Later fate
- Refounded by Dionysius II
Strategic Narrative Overview
Dionysius first moved against the Italiote League, Rhegium's principal ally on the mainland, defeating it decisively at the Battle of the Elleporus. With that support eliminated, Syracusan forces advanced on Rhegium itself, laying siege to the city. Unable to withstand the assault without relief, Rhegium fell to the besieging army, which then proceeded to sack the city completely.
01 / The Origins
Rhegium, a Greek city on the toe of Italy, had allied with Carthage against Syracuse during the Third Sicilian War, motivated by rivalry over control of the Strait of Messina and influence in Magna Graecia. Once Dionysius I of Syracuse concluded peace with Carthage, he turned his attention to punishing Rhegium for that alliance, seeking to remove a persistent rival to Syracusan power on the Italian mainland.
03 / The Outcome
Following the city's capture, Dionysius sold the population of Rhegium into slavery, effectively erasing the community as an independent power. The destruction gave Syracuse unchallenged control of the Strait of Messina and removed a long-standing rival from Magna Graecia. Rhegium was eventually refounded under Dionysius II, restoring a settlement at the strategically vital location.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Dionysius I.
Side B
2 belligerents
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.