AGATH'OOLES, one of the boldest but most unworthy adventurers of antiquity, was b. at Thermte, in Sicily, in 361 n.c. Ile rose from humble circumstances through the patronage of Damas, a noble citizen of Syracuse, and received a command in the expedi tion against Agrigentum. Afterwards he married the widow of Damas, and became one of the most wealthy men in Syracuse. Under the rule of Sosistratus, he was obliged to flee into lower Italy, where he collected a band of partisans. Returning to Syracuse, after the death of Sosistratus, he gained the supremacy, confirmed it by a massacre of several thousands of respectable citizens, and took possession of the greater part of Sicily. To establish his power, and keep his army employed, he now attempted to expel the Cartha ginians from Sicily; but in this undertaking he was defeated. His next plan was to pass over to Africa with a part of his army and there attack the Carthaginians. This war he carried on with success for four years, or until 307 B.c., when disturbances in Sicily com
gelled him to leave the army for a time. On his return to Africa he found his troops in a state of mutiny against his son Archagathus, whom he had left in command, but pacified them by promises of large booty. afterwards lie suffered a serious defeat, and with deliberate treachery left his own son exposed to the vengeance of the disap pointed soldiers. The son was put to death, and the troops surrendered themselves to the enemy, while A. escaped safely into Sicily, where. by fraud and cruelty, lie soon recovered his former power, and was afterwards engaged in predatory inroads upon Italy. It was his intention to leave the throne to his youngest son, A.; but his grandson, Archagathus, made an insurrection, slew the royal heirs, and persuaded Mienm., one of the favorites of the aged tyrant, to destroy him by means of a poisoned toothpick. This took place in 289 B.C., when A. was 72 years old, and had reigned 28 years.