Pyrrhus of Epirus (319–272 BCE) was a Greek king and military strategist of the Hellenistic period, renowned for his campaigns against Rome and influence on ancient warfare.
Born into the Aeacid dynasty in Epirus, he became king at a young age but was briefly dethroned before reclaiming his throne with Ptolemy I Soter’s support. His military career included ambitious conquests, the Wars of the Diadochi, and campaigns in Italy and Sicily.
Pyrrhus is best known for the Pyrrhic War (280–275 BCE,) where his costly victories at Heraclea and Asculum inspired the term “Pyrrhic victory,” meaning a win at great expense. He later seized the Macedonian throne, invaded the Peloponnese, and was ultimately killed in a street battle in Argos.
He authored a military treatise, now lost. His strategies influenced later generals, including Hannibal. Biographies include Jeff Champion’s Pyrrhus of Epirus (2017.)
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One more such victory and we are undone.
—Pyrrhus of Epirus
Topics: Success is not everything
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