Pyrrhus Of Eprius

Early Life

Pyrrhus was born in 319 or 318 BCE in Epirus, Northwestern Greece. He was a member of the Aeacidae royal dynasty, and his family claimed descent from Achilles. Pyrrhus became king of Epirus around the age of twelve, following the death of his father Aeacides, but his early reign was marred by internal instability and he was dethroned twice, spending much of his youth as a political hostage first in Illyria and then in Egypt.

Time In Egypt 🇪🇬 

During his time in Egypt, Pyrrhus was not merely a political hostage; he actively engaged in the local politics and military affairs, which significantly shaped his future career.

1. Political Alliances: Pyrrhus was sent to Egypt after being dethroned in Epirus as part of a political maneuver involving the Diadochi, the successors of Alexander the Great who were vying for power in the Hellenistic world. In Egypt, Pyrrhus was under the protection of Ptolemy I, one of the most powerful of Alexander’s successors. This period was crucial for building alliances and securing support for his ambitions back in Epirus.

2. Marriage: Pyrrhus married Antigone, the stepdaughter of Ptolemy I, around 299 BCE. This marriage was strategic, bolstering his connections within the Ptolemaic dynasty. Antigone’s influence and her family’s resources played a pivotal role in Pyrrhus’s ability to return to power in Epirus.

3. Military Experience: Under the patronage of Ptolemy I, Pyrrhus likely received military training and command experience in the Egyptian army. This experience was invaluable, enhancing his skills as a military commander, which he famously demonstrated in later campaigns in Italy and elsewhere.

4. Cultural Exchange: While in Egypt, Pyrrhus would have been exposed to the rich cultural and administrative practices of the Ptolemaic kingdom, which controlled a vast territory that included various cultures and peoples. This exposure might have influenced his own administrative practices as a king.

Pyrrhus's time in Egypt was a formative period that equipped him with the necessary political acumen, military expertise, and alliances to pursue his ambitions in the larger Hellenistic world. Upon his return to Epirus, he was much better prepared to reclaim his throne and expand his kingdom’s influence.

What Is Pyrrhus Best Known For?

Pyrrhus is best known for his military campaigns and is often remembered as one of the greatest generals of the ancient world. His military life was defined by his ambition to expand his territory and influence. He ventured into southern Italy around 280 BCE at the request of the city-state of Tarentum, which was struggling against Roman expansion. This marked the beginning of his conflict with Rome, where he famously won the Battle of Heraclea in 280 BCE and the Battle of Asculum in 279 BCE. Despite his victories, these battles were costly in terms of his forces, leading to the term “Pyrrhic victory,” which denotes a win that comes at such a great loss that it is tantamount to defeat.

Pyrrhus’s ambitions also took him to Sicily in 278 BCE, where he attempted to liberate the Greek cities from Carthaginian dominance. Initially successful, his campaign ultimately faltered due to local opposition and logistical difficulties. Disenchanted, Pyrrhus returned to Italy, where he suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Beneventum in 275 BCE. Following this, he returned to Epirus.

In the final years of his life, Pyrrhus engaged in several more military campaigns. He attacked Macedonia and briefly ruled it before moving south to the Peloponnese. His death in 272 BCE came unexpectedly during street fighting in Argos. According to Plutarch, Pyrrhus was struck by a tile thrown by an old woman from a rooftop while he was fighting in the narrow streets of the city, leading to his immediate death.

How Is Pyrrhus Remembered?

Politically, Pyrrhus’s life was marked by constant turmoil and the shifting allegiances typical of the Hellenistic period. His death symbolized the end of his ambitious quest for a Hellenistic empire in the West and underscored the precarious nature of power in the era, as well as the rising dominance of Rome in the Mediterranean world.

Where Can I Learn More About Pyrrhus?

1. Alex Petkas’ Podcast The Cost Of Glory covers Pyrrhus live over a 3 part episode

2. Plutarch, an ancient historian covers Pyrrhus in one of his books where he compares the lives of greek and roman leaders and warriors.