Pyrrhic War: What Happened
From 280 to 275 BC, King Pyrrhus of Epirus, in northwestern Greece, fought a war against the rising power of Rome in southern Italy and Sicily. He came at the request of Tarentum, a Greek city at war with Rome. Pyrrhus, a relative of Alexander the Great and one of the most admired generals of his age, led a Hellenistic-style army with a phalanx and around 20 war elephants, which the Romans had never faced before. He defeated the Romans at Heraclea in 280 BC and at Asculum in 279 BC, but both victories cost him heavy losses among his best troops and officers, which he could not easily replace. According to the ancient writer Plutarch, Pyrrhus remarked that one more such victory would utterly undo him. This gave the world the phrase Pyrrhic victory, meaning a win that costs so much it is almost a defeat. Pyrrhus then campaigned in Sicily against Carthage before returning to Italy, where he was checked by Rome at Beneventum in 275 BC. He left Italy, and Rome soon ruled the peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pyrrhic War?
The Pyrrhic War was fought from 280 to 275 BC between King Pyrrhus of Epirus and Rome in southern Italy and Sicily. Pyrrhus came to help the Greek city of Tarentum.
Who was King Pyrrhus?
Pyrrhus was the king of Epirus in northwestern Greece, a relative of Alexander the Great and one of the most admired generals of his time.
What does Pyrrhic victory mean?
A Pyrrhic victory is a win that costs so much it is almost a defeat. The phrase comes from Pyrrhus, whose victories over Rome cost him many of his best troops.
Did Pyrrhus use elephants against Rome?
Yes. Pyrrhus brought around 20 war elephants, which the Romans had never faced before. They helped him win his early battles at Heraclea and Asculum.
How did the Pyrrhic War end?
After campaigning in Sicily, Pyrrhus was checked by Rome at Beneventum in 275 BC and left Italy. Rome soon took control of the whole Italian peninsula.
More Events from Hellenistic Greece
