Leptines of Syracuse

Who was Leptines of Syracuse?

Leptines was a military leader from Syracuse, Sicily, active during his brother Dionysius the Elder's wars.

Leptines was a brother of Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse. He is first mentioned as commanding his brother's fleet at the siege of Motya, and was for some time entrusted by Dionysius with the whole direction of the siege, while the latter was engaged in reducing the other towns still held by the Carthaginians.

After the fall of Motya he was stationed there with a fleet of 120 ships, to watch for and intercept the Carthaginian fleet under Himilco; but the latter eluded his vigilance, and effected his passage to Panormus in safety, with the greater part of his forces, though Leptines pursued them, and sunk fifty of his transports, containing 5000 troops. The state of affairs was now changed: Himilco was able to advance unopposed along the north coast of the island, and took and destroyed Messana; from whence he advanced upon Syracuse, his fleet, under Mago, supporting the operations of the army.