Syracuse (Second Carthaginian Invasion).
Syracuse was again besieged, B.C. 387, by about 80,000 Carthaginians, under Himilco, aided by a powerful fleet, and defended by Dionysius, with about an equal number of troops. A fleet of 30 Lacedæmonian triremes arrived to the succour of the Syracusans, and meanwhile a pestilence had carried off thousands in the besiegers' camp. At this juncture Dionysius decided on a joint sea and land attack upon the Carthaginians, which was completely successful. Leptinus, with 80 galleys, surprised the Carthaginian fleet while the crews were ashore, and completely destroyed it, while Dionysius stormed Himilco's defences, and utterly routed the besiegers, Himilco and his principal officers escaping from Sicily, and leaving the army to its fate.