Pyrrhus and the Pyrrhic War - An epic battle of Kings and Generals.
the roman army fought many conflicts throughout its long history, though perhaps none so indelible as the pyrrhic war from 280 to 275 bce.
this war between rome and a league of greek colonies in southern italy.
led by the city of tarentum, marks a significant turning point in the mediterranean world, effectively demonstrating the superiority of roman political and military policy.
surprisingly, tarentum and their hired greek mercenary general named pyrrhus (c. 318-272 bce) initially defeated the roman army in two out of three major battles.
though suffered such heavy casualties that these victories were considered strategic losses.
it is from this conflict that the term 'pyrrhic victory' is derived, denoting a victory that is so damaging to the winning side that it is technically a defeat.
