Pyrrhus

(noun)

Greek general and statesman of the Hellenistic era. Later he became king of Epirus (r. 306–302, 297–272 BCE) and Macedon (r. 288–284, 273–272 BCE). He was one of the strongest opponents of early Rome. Some of his battles, though successful, cost him heavy losses, from which the term "Pyrrhic victory" was coined.

Related Terms

Examples of Pyrrhus in the following topics:

  • Republican Wars and Conquest

    • When a diplomatic dispute between Rome and a Greek colony erupted into a naval confrontation, the Greek colony appealed for military aid to Pyrrhus, ruler of the northwestern Greek kingdom of Epirus.Motivated by a personal desire for military accomplishment, Pyrrhus landed a Greek army of approximately 25,000 men on Italian soil in 280 BCE.
    • Despite early victories, Pyrrhus found his position in Italy untenable.
    • Rome steadfastly refused to negotiate with Pyrrhus as long as his army remained in Italy.
    • In 275 BCE, Pyrrhus again met the Roman army at the Battle of Beneventum.
    • These conflicts with Pyrrhus would have a positive effect on Rome.

  • Passage 1.1

    • The death of Priam at the hands of Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles.