The Sicels were one of the original inhabitants of Sicily but their territory was slowly shrinking due to the expansion of the Greek colonies on the island, mainly Syracuse and Akragas.
However, in the 450s BCE they had grown in power under a leader named Ducetius, who had united the Sicel territory under his rule.
[2] Fielding 6,000 men along with 900 cavalry, the united Greek force commanded by Bolcon of Syracuse advanced towards Ducetius's army, which was besieging the stronghold Motyon (Motya) and met him in battle there.
[2] Recognising that he was at a numerical disadvantage, Ducetius launched a surprise attack against the Greeks at dawn and completely routed them, allowing his army to capture Motyon.
This would result in the Battle of the Himera River (446 BC)[5][page needed] in which Syracuse won, becoming the dominant power in Sicily until the Second Sicilian War against Carthage.