What is pyrrhos?

Pyrrhos, also known as Pyrrhus of Epirus, was a Greek King who lived during the Hellenistic period. He was born in 318 BC, and he ruled Epirus from 306 BC until his death in 272 BC. Pyrrhos was known for his military campaigns, which included numerous victories against the Romans, Carthaginians, and other Greek city-states.

One of Pyrrhos' most famous battles was the Battle of Asculum in 279 BC, where he faced the Romans in a fierce battle. Though Pyrrhos emerged victorious, he suffered heavy casualties, including many of his best soldiers. It was after this battle that the phrase "Pyrrhic victory" was coined, meaning a victory won at great cost.

Pyrrhos also had a reputation for being a skilled military strategist and tactician. He is often credited with introducing the use of war elephants to the Western world, which were instrumental in several of his victories.

Despite his military achievements, Pyrrhos was not successful in establishing a lasting empire or kingdom. His campaigns often left his army weakened, and he was eventually defeated and killed while waging war against the city of Argos.