Diodorus Siculus

“ The multitude of the workmen produced great admiration in the spectators, whilst every one was diligent to perfect that which was allotted to his share. For Dionysius, to encourage them, here promised great rewards to the architects, there to the carpenters, and here again to the labourers; and he himself with his friends would often oversee the work, whole days together, going every where from one place to another, taking care to ease and relieve them that were tired out. ”

“ At length, laying aside all state and majesty, he wrought like a private person, and would be the first that should set upon works of the greatest difficulty, and endure as much hardship as the meanest labourer; by which means every one strove who should do most, insomuch, as besides their daily labours, they wrought some part of the night, so great was the ambition of the very common people to finish the work; so that (beyond what could have been believed or imagined) the wall was finished in the space of twenty days, thirty furlongs in length, and proportionable in height ”

“ Moving from thence, he besieged the city of Erbita [1] ; but not succeeding there, he made peace with them, and led away his army against Catana; for Arcesilaus the governor had promised to betray it: and in accomplishment of his treachery, about midnight let him in within the walls, and so he gained the city. Then he disarmed all the citizens, and placed there a sufficient garrison. Afterwards Procles, the general of the Naxians, (won over by promises of great rewards) , betrayed the city to Dionysius. ”