Where Does The Expression “Pyrrhic Victory” Come From?

AncientPages.com - The expression “"Pyrrhic Victory" has a long history that goes back to the third century BC and is related to the king Pyrrhus of Epirus (319 BC -  272 BC).

Pyrrhus was recognized as one of the greatest leaders of his time and one of the strongest opponents of early Rome.

In the third century BC, the king Pyrrhus invaded Italy and began a war with the Roman Empire, upsetting the Romans in all his well-organized battles.

Initially, his military encounters were rather successful until Pyrrhus’ army met the enemy at Heraclea in 280 BC and Asculum in 279 BC. Although his forces won these battles, they suffered terrible losses. Responding to congratulations on his success, Pyrrhus then said: “Another such victory and we are lost.”

See also:

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What Was Legio Martia And Why Were The Roman Soldiers Called The Martians?

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King Pyrrhus lost more than 7,500 of his elite warriors including many experienced officers and in consequence, it significantly weakened his army. Practically, he had no way of replacing his lost soldiers, while the Romans could still kill new warriors.

He suddenly realized what a terrible price he had paid. Was the victory really worth it?

In “Pyrrhus” wrote in 75 AD, the ancient historian Plutarch reported that:

"... they had fought till sunset, both armies were unwillingly separated by the night, Pyrrhus being wounded by a javelin in the arm, and his baggage plundered by the Samnites, that in all there died of Pyrrhus's men and the Romans above fifteen thousand. The armies separated; and, it is said, Pyrrhus replied to one that gave him joy of his victory that one other such would utterly undo him. For he had lost a great part of the forces he brought with him, and almost all his particular friends and principal commanders; there were no others there to make recruits, and he found the confederates in Italy backward…"

The expression “Pyrrhic victory” comes from Pyrrhus’ famous victory that was achieved at too great a cost.

It is worth noting that Rome eventually defeated Pyrrhus, and the kingdom of Epirus was conquered and incorporated into the Roman Empire.

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