Hiero II was a king of Syracuse, a city-state on the island of Sicily, who reigned from 270 to 215 BCE. He is known for his military prowess and for being an ally of the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. Hiero II successfully defended his territory against invasions and expanded his influence in the region. Under his rule, Syracuse flourished economically and culturally. Hiero II was a patron of the arts and sciences, supporting notable figures like the mathematician Archimedes. His reign is often remembered for its stability and prosperity, contributing to the legacy of Syracuse in ancient history.