Home
cover of episode Pyrrhus: Warlord of Ancient Greece

Pyrrhus: Warlord of Ancient Greece

2024/10/27
logo of podcast The Ancients

The Ancients

Key Insights

Why did Pyrrhus of Epirus become known for a victory that was ultimately costly?

He won a battle at Asculum but suffered heavy casualties, leading to the term 'Pyrrhic Victory'.

Why did Pyrrhus decide to intervene in Italy?

The Tarentines, a Greek city in southern Italy, asked for his help against the expanding Roman Republic.

Why did Pyrrhus' campaign in Sicily ultimately fail?

He faced resistance from Sicilian cities, failed to take the city of Lilibeo, and lost support from his allies.

Why did Pyrrhus face difficulties in his night march at Malventum?

His torches burned out, causing his army to get lost in the dark and leading to disarray when they were discovered by the Romans.

Why did Pyrrhus' legacy include both great victories and significant losses?

He was a highly skilled and daring commander but often took on ventures that were beyond his resources, leading to costly victories and defeats.

Chapters

Pyrrhus of Epirus was born into a royal family and faced numerous challenges early in life, including exile and being taken as a hostage. His strategic alliances and military prowess allowed him to rise to power and become the unchallenged king of Epirus.
  • Pyrrhus was born into the royal family of Epirus.
  • He faced exile and was taken as a hostage in Alexandria.
  • His strategic alliances and military skills helped him rise to power.
  • He became the unchallenged king of Epirus by 295 BC.

Shownotes Transcript

It’s 279 BC. On a large plain in Southern Italy near the town of Asculum, a famous Greek warlord likened to Alexander the Great faces down the legions of the Roman Republic. His name was Pyrrhus of Epirus. And the victory that he won at Asculum would come to define his legacy.

In this instalment of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Louis Rawlings to dive into the cauldron of political intrigue and backstabbing that followed the death of Alexander the Great and talk through the story of Pyrrhus, his battles against Romans, Carthaginians, Sicilians, Greeks and how he managed to win the first ever 'Pyrrhic Victory'.

Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up** HERE**)** for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS’. **https://historyhit.com/subscription)

You can take part in our listener survey here).