Diodorus Siculus

“ Chapter II Dionysius's projects to strengthen himself in the sovereignty of Sicily. The Syracusans revolt. They are dispersed. In the mean time Dionysius, the tyrant of Sicily, having made peace with the Carthaginians, bent all his care to strengthen himself in the sovereignty. For he judged that the Syracusans, now brought under by war, had nothing to do but to seek after the recovery of their liberty. ”

“ Dionysius being now terrified with the defection of the Syracusans, broke up the siege, and hastened away with all speed to Syracuse, to possess himself of the city before any of his enemies. Upon his flight thither, of the fomenters of the rebellion created them their captains and leaders who had killed the officer, and being joined by the horse from Enna, they encamped in the Epipolæ (as they are called) lying over against the tyrant, blocking up his passage into the open field. ”

“ Perceiving therefore the island belonging to the city (which was naturally fortified) would be easily defended by a small garrison, he divided it from the city by a strong wall, in which he built many high towers, near one another, and under them guard-houses and lodgings, which would contain great numbers of men: he built likewise there at great expense, a castle which commanded the city, that it might be a shelter ready to fly to upon any sudden commotion ”