478 BC

Events

The death of the tyrant Syracuse Gelon and the coming to power of Hiero I marked a significant event in 478 BC. Gelon's death led to the marriage of his brother Polysel to Feron Damaret's daughter.

### Roman Consulate

In Rome, the Consulate of L. Æmilius Mamercinus (Mamercus) and C. Servilius Structus Ahala began on June 19. This was Mamercus' second term as consul.

### Athenian Fortifications

In Athens, Themistocles oversaw the fortification of the astu and reconstruction of the city. Despite a Spartan embassy's request to abandon the project, citing concerns about potential conflict with the "Barbare" (likely referring to the Persians), Themistocles continued with the construction.

### Pan-Hellenic Fleet

Pausanias became commander of the Pan-Hellenic fleet, with Cimon and Aristide as deputies. Under Pausanias' leadership, the Greeks seized Cyprus.

### Confederation of Delos

The year 478 BC also saw the founding of the Confederation of Delos between Athens, Chios, Samos, and Lesbos.

Calendar

The year 478 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. In the Roman Empire, it was known as the Year of the Consulate of Mamerco and Structo (or less frequently, year 276 Ab urbe condita). The denomination 478 BC for this year has been used since the early medieval period.

References

Note: This article synthesizes information from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive overview of events in 478 BC.