Pyrrhus (319–272 bc) King of Epirus (307–302, 295–272 bc). An able general, he fought several battles against Rome. Although he won, the cost was so heavy that victory was useless, hence the term ‘pyrrhic victory’.

Pyrrhus (c.318–272 bc), king of Epirus c.307–272. After invading Italy in 280, he defeated the Romans at Asculum in 279, but sustained heavy losses; the term Pyrrhic victory, meaning a victory gained at too great a cost, derives from this.