The death of Agathocles has left idle …

Years: 288BCE - 288BCE

The death of Agathocles has left idle and unemployed in Sicily a body of Campanian mercenaries who had been in his hire.

Most of them return home but some, liking the climate and the prospect of adventure on a foreign island, remain.

These desert from Syracuse and enter the walled Greek stronghold of Messana (Messina, in northeastern Sicily).

The inhabitants, a peaceful people, allow into their homes the traveling mercenaries, who, after a time, become restless and plot to capture the town.

One night the mercenaries betray their hosts and kill most of the population who are unprepared, in this way claiming Messana for themselves.

The surviving Messanian men are expelled and the property and women divided.

After their victory, the mercenaries name themselves the Mamertines after the Oscan war-god Mamers.

Transforming a bustling town of farmers and traders into a raiding base, they plunder the surrounding territory.

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