Pyrrhus: life, campaigns, and legacy

Pyrrhus (319-272 B.C.)

Character Sketch

Pyrrhus was a celebrated general who possessed great personal valor and strength. He took personal part in his battles and was admired for his fighting skills by his own troops and enemies alike. His military acumen was comparable to that of Alexander the Great and his innovative tactics in battle (e.g. The use of elephants) were copied by several military commanders later. Hannibal has called him the greatest commander of all time (and placed himself in third place).

He was an opportunist as is proved by his courting of favor in the right places when he was taken to the King of Egypt's (Ptolemy's) court as a hostage at a very young age. He was ruthless when necessary (eliminated Neoptolemus with whom he shared the throne of Epircus, initially) but was generally a fair person (confirming first that Neoptolemus was conspiring against him). He was most particular about returning favors and kindness to his friends. Plutarch narrates that when his friend Aeropus, who had done him a favor, died before Pyrrhus could return him the favor -- not being able to return the favor grieved him more than the death of his friend. He also had a sense of humor and was a generous person: he once asked some men if they had made remarks about him at a drinking party. They admitted and said that they would have said more about him if they had more wine -- Pyrrhus laughed and let them go. However, Pyrrhus' greatest character flaw was that he lost interest in most things after starting them and moved on to the next before consolidating his gains. In this way, he lost whatever he had won previously by prematurely going on to the next adventure. This character flaw, more than any other single factor, brought ruin to himself and to those around him, most of his victories proving to be futile.

Pyrrhus' Relationships

Pyrrhus had several wives, and most of his marriages were driven by his ambitions. In fact, even his first marriage to a stepdaughter to Ptolmey, the King of Egypt, was a stepping-stone for Pyrrhus to regain his kingdom. Most of his other marriages were consummated, later, to acquire territories in dowry. His sons (by different wives) were all brought up to be trained in the art of war from infancy. When one of them asked him to whom he would leave his kingdom, "To the one who has the sharpest sword," he replied. (Plutarch, n.d.). This reflects his relations with his children. Not much is known about his relationship with his parents in history as they died when he was young.

Pyrrhus, although adept at courting the favors of his superiors and a 'friend of friends', did not take much notice of those below him in social rank. His soldiers were, however, impressed by his personal bravery and fighting skills and followed him willingly in battles.

Major Events in Pyrrhus' Life

Battle of Ipsus (301 BC)

The battle was fought among the various claimants of Alexander's Empire. In the battle, a young Pyrrhus fought bravely alongside Demetrius (who was married to his sister). However, Demetrius was defeated and the empire was divide into 4 parts -- Macedonia, Egypt, Thrace, and Persia.

Relationship with Ptolmey

After the battle of Ipsus, Pyrrhus was taken to Ptolmey (the King of Egypt) as a hostage. While at the court, he managed to ingratiate himself to Ptolmey and the queen, and was chosen for marriage to the King' stepdaughter, Antigone. This proved a decisive event in Pyrrhus life, as his relationship with Ptolmey helped him to regain his kingdom.

Macedonia and Kingship

While Pyrrhus regained his kingdom of Epirus, Demetrius conquered the neighboring Macedonia. By this time, Pyrrhus' sister (to whom Demetrius was married) had died and it was inevitable that the two kings would clash in battle. Each had ambitions of capturing the other's territory. After several battles, Pyrrhus captured parts of Macedonia in 286 B.C. when most of Demetrius' army deserted him, but his conquest did not last for long and he was compelled to return to Epirus in 283 BC.

Warfare in Italy

Pyrrhus invaded Western Italy in 280 BC when the Greek colony of Terentum asked him for help. He fought two major battles with the Romans at Harcalea (in 280 BC) and at Asculum a year later. Pyrrhus won these battles but at great loss to his army -- the victories have become known as "pyrrhic" victories and the word has become an expression ever since. He was defeated by the Romans in another battle in 275 BC and returned to Greece with only one-third of his men.

Comparison with Alexander