goes on to reason that Agathocles' success, in contrast to other criminal tyrants, was due to his ability to commit his crimes quickly and ruthlessly, and states that cruelties are best used when they However, he came to "glory" as much as he did brutality by repelling invading Carthaginians and winning the loyalty of the denizens of his land. Family tree of Agathocles Primary sources Diodorus Siculus Library of History Books 19–21. Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus Book 22. Polyaenus 5.3 Polybius 9.23 References Cited sources Bibliography Further reading External links Coinage of Agathocles Agathocles- Encyclopædia Britannica Agathocles of Syracuse- Ancient History Encyclopedia |width=25% align=center|Preceded by:oligarchy position previously held by Timoleon in 337 BC |width=25% align=center|Tyrant of Syracuse317 BC289 BC |width=25% align=center|Succeeded by:Hicetas |- 361 BC births 289 BC deaths Ancient Greek generals Sicilian tyrants 4th-century BC Syracusans Ancient Himeraeans Greek exiles 4th-century BC Greek people 3rd-century BC Syracusans 4th-century BC monarchs 3rd-century BC monarchs People of the Sicilian Wars