Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Terillus
TERILLUS (Τήριλλος), son of Crinippus, tyrant of Himera, in Sicily. We know nothing of the means by which he rose to power, or of the duration or events of his reign: it is only from Subsequent circumstances that we learn that he had sought to fortify his power by giving his daughter Cydippe in marriage to Anaxilas, the ruler of Rhegium, while on the other hand he maintained relations of friendship and hospitality with the Carthaginian general Hamilcar. Hence, when he was expelled from Himera, by Theron, tyrant of Agrigentum, he applied to the Carthaginians for assistance, and his son-in-law Anaxilas not only supported his prayers, but gave his own children as hostages for his sincerity. The Carthaginians accordingly determined to undertake his restoration, or rather, under pretence of doing so, to extend their own power in Sicily, and the expulsion of Terillus thus became the real cause of their great expedition under Hamilcar, which terminated in the memorable battle of Himera, B. C. 480. (Herod. vii. 165.) Of the fate of Terillus himself after the defeat of his allies we know nothing. [E. H. B.]