Pyrrhus of Epirus (319–272 BCE) Flashcards
What was Pyrrhus of Epirus known for?
Pyrrhus is known for his military campaigns against Rome and Carthage, and for coining the term ‘Pyrrhic victory.’
Fill in the blank: Pyrrhus was born into the royal _____ family in Epirus.
Aeacid
What significant battles did Pyrrhus fight against Rome?
Pyrrhus fought in the Battles of Heraclea (280 BCE) and Asculum (279 BCE).
What does the term ‘Pyrrhic victory’ mean?
A victory won at such great cost that it is tantamount to defeat.
What characterized the historical context of Pyrrhus’s life?
The Hellenistic period was marked by fragmentation of Alexander the Great’s empire and the rise of successor states.
Fill in the blank: Pyrrhus spent much of his early life in _____.
exile
What was one of Pyrrhus’s major tactical innovations?
He effectively used combined arms, including infantry, cavalry, and war elephants.
How did Pyrrhus’s campaigns influence Rome?
His military engagements provided the Romans with crucial experience and shaped their military doctrine.
What ultimately led to Pyrrhus’s downfall?
Overextending himself and his resources during his campaigns.
Fill in the blank: Pyrrhus’s ambitions often led to _____.
bad luck
What was the outcome of Pyrrhus’s final campaign?
Pyrrhus was killed during street fighting in Argos, Greece, in 272 BCE.
What was a unique fact about Pyrrhus’s interests outside of warfare?
He was once distracted from military planning by a circus performer walking on ropes.
What did the Roman commander Fabricius think of Pyrrhus?
Fabricius admired Pyrrhus, even refusing a bribe to betray Rome.
