In 398 BCE, the city-state of Syracuse launched a invasion of Himera, provoked by the Athenian Allies expansion in the area. The Tyrant of Syracuse ordered the invasion in early spring, and positioned his far relative, Alextrus, the commander of the force. Alextrus initially divided his forces into two, a scouting force of 3,000 and the main force of 12,000. The smaller force marched westward, in a effort to make a defensive line against the Athenians while the main force marched on Himera.