The Last Hellenistic Kings

A History of Mankind (169)

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For Rhodes, friendship with Rome turned into straightforward dependency faster than for anyone, after the Rhodians refused to help Rome against their fellow Hellenes from Macedon in the 160s.

As a result of this challenge, an infuriated Roman senate imposed direct Roman rule on the island, as permanent and forcible ally, so that Rhodes became a magnet for Roman tourists looking to Hellenize themselves a bit, and later a favorite corner for exiles looking for a cultured spot away from the dangerous Roman capital.

In Sicily, Syracuse remained independent and in control of the immediate region around the city for a while, after Hiero II’s switch to the Roman side made the tyrant’s career. He hung on to power, a grateful Roman ally, until 215 BC, enjoying the fruits of peace in a mini-Hellenistic court including the likes of Theocritus, creator of pastoral poetry, and all-around genius Archimedes (287-212 BC).