The Pyrrhic Victory

The illustration above by @historicamente_correcto depicts the aftermath of a battle in the Pyrrhic War.

The term “Pyrrhic victory” originates from the wars the Greek king Pyrrhus of Epirus fought against the Romans between 280 and 275 BC. Carthage was drawn into the war when Pyrrhus invaded Sicily, intending to use it as a launch pad for a campaign in North Africa.

Pyrrhus fought two significant battles against the Romans shortly after landing in Italy: Heraclea in 280 BC and Asculum in 279 BC.

Ancient sources differ considerably regarding the outcomes of these battles. Dio claims that Rome won, while Plutarch and Hieronymus assert that the Greeks were victorious, and Dionysius describes it as a draw.

However, modern historians generally agree that Pyrrhus won both encounters, although he ultimately faced defeat in 275 BC.

While victorious, the battles were fiercely contested. Pyrrhus nearly lost his life at Heraclea when his cavalry faced a near-rout by the Roman horse.

According to Dionysius, the Romans suffered a loss of 15,000 men, while the Greeks lost 13,000, though Hieronymus offers reduced figures of 7,000 Romans and 4,000 Greeks.

At Asculum, Dionysius reports a total loss of 15,000 men on both sides, while Hieronymus cites Roman losses at 6,000 and Greek losses at 3,505 based on Pyrrhus’ memoirs.

Regardless of which figures are more accurate, the casualty counts reflect the intensity of the fighting, particularly since most of the Roman losses occurred during the pursuit that followed the battles.

Following the victory at Asculum, one of Pyrrhus’ officers congratulated him on his success, to which Pyrrhus ominously replied: “If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.”

This remark, steeped in historical legend, gave rise to the term “Pyrrhic victory,” denoting a victory achieved at such a significant cost that it is tantamount to defeat.

The article was first published by VIRAL Sheohar. 

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