He appears to have established his power over that city during the period of confusion which followed the death of Agathocles (289 BC), about the same time that Hicetas obtained the chief command at Syracuse.
[1] But this success having induced Hicetas to engage with a more formidable enemy, the Carthaginians, he was defeated in his turn, and Phintias, who was probably in alliance with that power, was now able to extend his authority over a considerable part of Sicily.
He at the same time made a display of his wealth and power by founding a new city, to which he gave his own name Phintias, and whither he removed all the inhabitants from Gela, which he razed to the ground.
His oppressive and tyrannical government subsequently alienated the minds of his subjects, and caused the revolt of many of the dependent cities.
But he had the wisdom to change his line of policy, and, by adopting a milder rule, retained possession of the sovereignty until his death.