Pyrrhus of Epirus

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Biography & Memoir, Historical
Cover of the book Pyrrhus of Epirus by Champion, Jeff, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Champion, Jeff ISBN: 9781844682829
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: July 16, 2009
Imprint: Pen and Sword Language: English
Author: Champion, Jeff
ISBN: 9781844682829
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: July 16, 2009
Imprint: Pen and Sword
Language: English

Pyrrhus of Epirus was rated by Hannibal as the second greatest general yet seen (placing himself third). Indeed, Hannibal referred to Pyrrhus as his teacher, although the two never met, since he learnt so much of the art of war from his writings. Pyrrhus was born into the royal house of Epirus, northwest Greece, and was a second-cousin of Alexander the Great. His mother was forced to flee into exile to protect his life when he was a mere infant, yet he prospered in troubled times and went from a refugee to become king. Always an adventurer with an eye for the main chance, he was deeply involved in the cut-and-thrust campaigning, coups and subterfuges of the Successor kingdoms. At various times he was king of Epirus (twice), Macedon (twice) and Sicily, as well as overlord of much of southern Italy. In 281 BC he was invited by the southern Italian states to defend them against the aggressive expansion of the burgeoning Roman republic. His early victories over the Roman armies at Heraclea and Asculum (assisted by his use of elephants) were won at such a high price in casualties that they gave us the expression 'Pyrrhic victory'. These battles were the first clashes between the hitherto-dominant Hellenistic way of warfare (as developed by Alexander) and the Roman legions, and so full of tactical interest. He failed in Italy and Sicily but when on to further military adventures in Greece, eventually being killed in action while storming the city of Argos.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Pyrrhus of Epirus was rated by Hannibal as the second greatest general yet seen (placing himself third). Indeed, Hannibal referred to Pyrrhus as his teacher, although the two never met, since he learnt so much of the art of war from his writings. Pyrrhus was born into the royal house of Epirus, northwest Greece, and was a second-cousin of Alexander the Great. His mother was forced to flee into exile to protect his life when he was a mere infant, yet he prospered in troubled times and went from a refugee to become king. Always an adventurer with an eye for the main chance, he was deeply involved in the cut-and-thrust campaigning, coups and subterfuges of the Successor kingdoms. At various times he was king of Epirus (twice), Macedon (twice) and Sicily, as well as overlord of much of southern Italy. In 281 BC he was invited by the southern Italian states to defend them against the aggressive expansion of the burgeoning Roman republic. His early victories over the Roman armies at Heraclea and Asculum (assisted by his use of elephants) were won at such a high price in casualties that they gave us the expression 'Pyrrhic victory'. These battles were the first clashes between the hitherto-dominant Hellenistic way of warfare (as developed by Alexander) and the Roman legions, and so full of tactical interest. He failed in Italy and Sicily but when on to further military adventures in Greece, eventually being killed in action while storming the city of Argos.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book The Trench by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book The Real Sherlock Holmes by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book Disasters Underground by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book The Turbomotive: Stanier's Advanced Pacific by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book The Fighting Pioneers by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book Irish Railways in the 1950s and 1960s by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book Discovering Classical Music: Fauré by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book Voices in Flight: Path Finder Force by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book The Battle of Jutland by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book German Assault Guns and Tank Destroyers 1940 - 1945 by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book The Legitimacy of Bastards by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book HMS Trenchant by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book A Business of Some Heat by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book Final Days of the Reich by Champion, Jeff
Cover of the book The Rise of Militant Islam by Champion, Jeff
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy