Life of Pyrrhus

Corinthian Timoleon Liberated Syracuse from Carthaginian Threat

Period: 344 BCE to 337 BCE

Archidamus III Campaingning in the "Heel" of Italy

Period: 344 BCE to 337 BCE

Alexander of Molossis Supports Greek Tribes Against Samnites

334 BCE

Alexander of Molossis was a relative of Pyrrhus, and the Samnites were a coalition of mountian tribes.

Aeacides succedes Molossis

330 BCE

Pyrrhus born

318 BCE

Born to Aeacides and Phthia
"He married Phthia, the daughter of Menon the Thessalian, a man who won high repute at the time of the Lamian war and acquired the highest authority among the confederates after Leosthenes. Phthia bore to Aeacides two daughters, Deïdameia and Troas, and a son, Pyrrhus."-Plutarch

Pyrrhus Alive

Period: 318 BCE to 272 BCE

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Pyrrhus*.html
http://www.livius.org/li-ln/livy/periochae/periochae011.html

Molossian Coup

317 BCE

Cassander orchestrates a coup christening Neoptolimus II and removing Aeachides from the throne. Aeachides finds refuge with a local king Glaucias the Taulantian.
"Having thus outstripped their pursuers and reached a place of safety, the fugitives betook themselves to Glaucias the king of the Illyrians; ... He was in fear of Cassander, who was an enemy of Aeacides, and held his peace a long time as he took counsel with himself."-Plutarch

Start of Fourth Diadoch War

307 BCE

Glaucias allied with Demetrius through the marriage of Pyrrhus's sister Deidamia to Demetrius.
"...Demetrius the son of Antigonus, who had his sister Deïdameia to wife." - Plutarch

Pyrrhus made King

306 BCE

after growing up in the Taulantian court, Pyrrhus was made king by Glaucias, though it seemed to the Macedonians he was some form of puppet
"...after he had reached the age of twelve years, actually conducted him back into Epeirus with an armed force and set him upon the throne there."-Plutarch

Revolt of Macedonians

302 BCE

The Macedonians revolted against Pyrrhus, as he visited his adoptive father to attend a wedding, and reinstated Neptolemus II.
"...he went on a journey, when one of the sons of Glaucias, with whom he had been reared, was married. Once more, then, the Molossians banded together, drove out his friends, plundered his property, and put themselves under Neoptolemus." - Plutarch

Battle at Ipsus

301 BCE

Demetrius and Antigonus fight a decisive battle against the coalition, however Seleucus of Babylonia won with 500 war elephants. Antigonus was killed.
"In the great battle which all the kings fought at Ipsus, Pyrrhus was present ... He routed the enemy opposed to him, and made a brilliant display of valor among the combatants. Moreover, though Demetrius lost the day, Pyrrhus did not abandon him, but kept guard over his cities in Greece which were entrusted to him," -Plutarch

Pyrrhus arrives in Alexandria

300 BCE

Demitrius gave Pyrrhus as a hostage to Ptolemy to ensure a recent diplomatic agreement after the loss at Ipsus. Ptolemy I, impressed by Pyrrhus allows the marriage of Pyrrhus and Antigone (Ptolemy's step-daughter).
"...when Demetrius made peace with Ptolemy, sailed to Egypt as hostage for him...he was selected from among many young princes as a husband for Antigone..." - Plutarch

Cassander Died

298 BCE

Macedonia was left to his son Phillip IV who died in two months and Macedonia was split between his brothers, Antipater in the west, and Alexander V in the east.

Epeirian Coup

297 BCE

Funded by Ptolemy, instating Pyrrhus as co-leader with Nepotolemus, such that Pyrrhus could watch Egyptian interests in Europe
"After this marriage he was held in still greater esteem, and since Antigone was an excellent wife to him, he brought it to pass that he was sent into Epeirus with money and an army to regain his kingdom...he came to terms and made friendship with him on the basis of a joint exercise of the royal power."
- Plutarch

Ptolemy Kills Neoptolemus

295 BCE

Pyrrhus killed Neoptolemus at a banquet and convinced others his colleague was unfaithful
"When Pyrrhus learned of it, he kept quiet for a time, but on a day of sacrifice invited Neoptolemus to supper and killed him. 7 For he was aware that the chief men among the Epeirots were devoted to himself and were eager to see him rid himself of Neoptolemus;..."
-Plutarch

Battle of Senetum

295 BCE

Rome defeated the Samnites and Etruscans to unify Italy. This was the beginning of Roman expansion, which put pressures on those in other parts of Italy.

Pyrrhus Invaded Macedonia

294 BCE

This invasion restored the balance between the two warring brothers and Pyrrhus was given part of Molossis and the city of Ambracia
"...Pyrrhus came, and demanded as a reward for his alliance Stymphaea and Parauaea in Macedonia, and, of the countries won by the allies, Ambracia, Acarnania, and Amphilochia. 3 The youthful Alexander gave way to his demands, and Pyrrhus took possession of these countries and held them for himself with garrisons..." -Plutarch

Demetrius Becomes King of Macedonia

294 BCE

Demetrius kills Alexander at a banquet and went to attack Antipater who flees immediately
"Thus Alexander's affairs were already settled with the help of Pyrrhus, but nevertheless Demetrius came to him...taking advantage of his opportunity, got beforehand with the young prince and slew him, and was proclaimed king of Macedonia..."

Antigone Died

294 BCE

Pyrrhus remarries first to Lanassa, then to Audoleon of Paeonia, and Bircenna of the Illyrians.
"...after the death of Antigone. He took to wife, namely, a daughter of Autoleon, king of the Paeonians; Bircenna, the daughter of Bardyllis the Illyrian; and Lanassa, the daughter of Agathocles of Syracuse, who brought him as her dowry the city of Corcyra, which had been captured by Agathocles." - Plutarch

Demetrius Controlls Much of Greece

293 BCE

Aside from Aetolia and Sparta, and some insurrections in Thessaly and Boeotia (possibly spurred by Pyrrhus).

Lanassa Leaves Pyrrhus for Demetrius

290 BCE

This personal conflict leads to open war
"she desired a royal marriage, she invited Demetrius, understanding that he, of all the kings, was most readily disposed to marry wives. So Demetrius sailed thither, married Lanassa, and left a garrison in the city...they assailed Demetrius while he was still waiting to complete his preparations..." - Plutarch

Pyrrhus's Sister Deidamia Dies

290 BCE

"and greed for power, the natural disease of dynasties, made them formidable and suspicious neighbours, and all the more after the death of Deïdameia." -Plutarch

Pyrrus at War with Demetrius

Period: 290 BCE to 289 BCE

Pyrrhus supported Aetolia who Demetrius was attacking. When Demetrius attacked Aetolia Pyrrhus also invaded, though the armies did not meet. Demetrius attacked some of Epeirius and Pyrrhus won against Pantauchus the Macedonian vice-commander.

Pyrrhus and Demetrius Renew Alliance

289 BCE

"After this, he actually made peace with Demetrius" - Plutarch

Macedonian Revolt and the Attack of Demetrius

288 BCE

Demetrius was attacked by Lysimachus and Ptolemy. At the same time the Macedonians revolted

Pyrrhus Invades Macedonia

288 BCE

Recognized as king
"So Pyrrhus came up, took the camp without a blow, and was proclaimed king of Macedonia." - Plutarch

Lysimachus Takes Macedonia

288 BCE

"Lysimachus, who now felt himself secure, and had nothing on his hands, at once set out against Pyrrhus. Pyrrhus was in camp at Edessa, where Lysimachus fell upon his provision trains and mastered them, thus bringing him to straits" - Plutarch

Pyrrhus Invades Thessaly

286 BCE

Potentially in coordination with the Athenians, who fought in Pireaus against a garrison of Gonatas.
"Pyrrhus, and Pyrrhus had overrun Thessaly" - Plutarch

Lysimachus Bought the Macedonian Commanders

285 BCE

Pyrrhus forced to return to Epeirius

Thessaly Ceded to Pyrrhus by Gonatas

285 BCE

Demetrius Captured by Seleucus

285 BCE

He later drank himself to death

Lucanians and Other Greek Towns Appeal to Pyrrhus

285 BCE

Roman Fleet Attacked by Tarentines

282 BCE

Titus Livius Wrote, "Cum a Tarentinis classis Romana direpta esset, IIuiro, qui praeerat classi, occiso, legati ad eos a senatu, ut de his iniuriis quererentur, missi pulsati sunt. Ob id bellum his indictum est." 'Since a fleet was destroyed by the Tarrentines and they killed Iiurio, who waspresiding the fleet, a representative sent to them by the Senate, as they might complain of their mistreatment, are beat and sent off. War is declared against them.

Invite to Tarrentum

281 BCE

"The Romans were at war with the people of Tarentum, who, being able neither to carry on the war, nor yet, owing to the rashness and villainy of their popular leaders, to put an end to it, wished to make Pyrrhus their leader and summon him to the war, believing him to be most at leisure of all the kings, and a most formidable general." -Plutarch

Seleucus Won at Corupendium

281 BCE

Overthrowing Lysimachus.

Seleucus killed by Ptolemy Keraunos

281 BCE

Entry into Tarrentum

280 BCE

3000 cavalry, 20 elephants, 2000 archers 500 slingers, 20000 foot-soldiers, and 3000 others
" Entering the city, he did nothing that was against the wishes of the Tarentines, nor did he put any compulsion upon them, until his ships came back in safety from the sea and the greater part of his forces were assembled." - Plutarch

Rome Sends Consul Publius Valerius Laevinus

280 BCE

He had 2 roman legions of 4200, 2 legions of 4200, and 1200 cavalry

Pyrrhus' First Battle with Rome

280 BCE

Rome lost 7000 and retreated
Pyrrhus lost 4000 who were irreplaceable
"Dionysius states that nearly fifteen thousand of the Romans fell, but Hieronymus says only seven thousand; on the side of Pyrrhus, thirteen thousand fell, according to Dionysius, but according to Hieronymus less than four thousand. These, however, were his best troops; and besides, Pyrrhus lost the friends and generals whom he always used and trusted most." - Plutarch

Negotiations with Rome

280 BCE

Pyrrhus enters negotiations to exchange POWs
Cineas sent to negotiate with Rome, offering peace for independence, and bearing gifts as per Greek tradition. The gifts were misinterpreted as bribery and peace negotiations were ended.
"After this, an embassy came from the Romans to treat about the prisoners that had been taken. .... him to accept gold, not for any base purpose, indeed, but calling it a mark of friendship and hospitality." -Plutarch

Pyrrhus Attacks Luceria and Venusia

279 BCE

Luceria and Venusia were roman colonies

Rome Mints Silver Coins

279 BCE

In order to deal with any potential Greek allies.

Rome Sends Two Consular Armies

279 BCE

The consular armies, led by Publius Sulpicius Saverrio and Publius Decius Mus, are sent to between Luceria and Venusia.

Pyrrhus' Second battle with Rome

279 BCE

The consular armies (40000 troops) engaged in an indecisive battle with Pyrrhus, until the next day when Pyrrhus pushed back the Romans but was incapable of capturing their camp. The Romans lost at least 6000 and Pyrrhus's army 3505. Upon returning Pyrrhus said,
"...we are told that Pyrrhus said to one who was congratulating him on his victory, 'if we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined.'" - Plutarch

Armastice with Rome

278 BCE

Consuls Gaius Fabricius Luscinus and Quintus Aemilius Papus, sent a letter to Pyrrhus informing him of a plot by Pyrrhus' physician to poison him saying, "It would appear that thou art a good judge neither of friends nor of enemies."(Plutarch) Seeing the honor of his enemies Pyrrhus exchanged POW's such that Rome might leave Tarentum alone, and called armistice.

Pyrrhus Leaves for Syracuse

278 BCE

"while he himself threw a garrison into Tarentum. The Tarentines were much displeased at this, and demanded that he either apply himself to the task for which he had come, namely to help them in their war with Rome, or else abandon their territory and leave them their city as he had found it."-Plutarch

Pyrrhus Bulids a Sycilian Army

278 BCE

Possibly 2,500 cavalry and 30,000 infantry supported by a fleet of 200 galleys
"On reaching Sicily, his hopes were at once realized securely; the cities readily gave themselves up to him, and wherever force and conflict were necessary nothing held out against him at first, but advancing with thirty thousand foot, twenty-five hundred horse, and two hundred ships, he put the Phoenicians to rout and subdued the territory under their control." -Plutarch

Pyrrhus defeats the Carthaginians and Mamerines

278 BCE

Then he determined to storm the walls of Eryx, which was the strongest of their fortresses and had numerous defenders...After the capture of the city, he sacrificed to the god in magnificent fashion and furnished spectacles of all sorts of contests. The Barbarians about Messana, called Mamertines, were giving much annoyance to the Greeks, and had even laid some of them under contribution... then conquered the people themselves in battle and destroyed many of their strongholds." -Plutarch

Pyrrhus' Other Offers

278 BCE

He was offered to help the Syracusians to help free them from Carthage, and an offer by the Macedonians who were being attacked by Celts.
"Syracuse, and Leontini, and begged him to help them to drive out the Carthaginians and rid the island of its tyrants; and from Greece, men with tidings that Ptolemy Ceraunus29 with his army had perished at the hands of the Gauls, and that now was the time of all times for him to be in Macedonia, where they wanted a king." -Plutarch

Carthaginans Deminished

277 BCE

Lilybaeum was Carthage's only remaining stronghold

Pyrrhus Prepared to Sac Carthage

276 BCE

However Pyrrhus was Called-Off by the Syracusians

The Syracusian Fleet was Defeated by Carthage

275 BCE

Marking the last battle in the war
"But the Barbarians combined against him as he was setting sail. With the Carthaginians he fought a sea-fight in the strait and lost many of his ships, but escaped with the rest to Italy;"

Pyrrhus Attacks Roman Armies

275 BCE

"Pyrrhus, however, divided his army into two parts, sent one of them into Lucania to attack the other consul, that he might not come to the help of his colleague, 2 and led the other part himself against Manius Curius...his [Pyrrhus'] lights did not hold out, and his soldiers lost their way and straggled... This gave the victory to the Romans"
-Plutarch

Pyrrhus Returns to Epeirius

275 BCE

"Thus Pyrrhus was excluded from his hopes of Italy and Sicily, after squandering six years' time in his wars there...He returned to Epeirus." -Plutarch

Pyrrhus and Ptolemy Expel Antigonus II Gonatas from Macedonia

273 BCE

Pyrrhus allies with his son to expel Antigonus II Gonatas from Macedonia.
" Some Gauls joined him, and he thereupon made an incursion into Macedonia, where Antigonus the son of Demetrius was reigning, designing to strip and plunder the country...Pyrrhus, thinking that amid so many successes his achievement against the Gauls conduced most to his glory...After the battle, however, he at once proceeded to occupy the cities." -Plutarch

Pyrrhus Conquers Sparta and Argos

273 BCE

He captures these cities from Antigonus II Gonatas.
"Pyrrhus against Sparta. Pyrrhus had twenty-five thousand foot and two thousand horse, besides twenty-four elephants...So Pyrrhus, after accomplishing as it were an expiation for his son and celebrating his obsequies with a brilliant contest, having also vented much of his grief in his fury against the enemy, led his army on towards Argos..."

Pyrrhus's death

272 BCE

During a street fight in Argos, Pyrrhus is knocked from horse with roof tile and parallelized or killed and then decapitated.
"It fell upon his head below his helmet and crushed the vertebrae at the base of his neck, so that his sight was blurred and his hands dropped the reins...a certain Zopyrus, who was serving under Antigonus, and two or three others, ran up to him, saw who he was, and dragged him into a door-way...he severed the head." -Plutarch