Historical Portrait: Pyrrhus of Epirus

A portrait of of one of my favorite historical figures, the Epirot general Pyrrhus, given the sobriquet of "the Eagle". He was probably the best general of his generation who lived a life at war and was a master of the battlefield. Despite being remembered for the term "pyrrhic victory" which refers to a battle won at high cost to the point where it is almost as bad as defeat, he had many successes and fought many peoples in three continents. However despite being exceptionally gifted in terms of battlefield tactics and martial prowess he often was distracted by new campaigns and adventures to effectively consolidate or finish anything he started. Apart from his prowess he was also generally well liked and respected by ally and foe alike. During his life he campaigned against the Macedonians, Illyrians, Romans, Carthaginians, Invading Gauls, the Spartans as well as his final campaign where he met his end (at the hands of an old lady throwing a roof tile at him) in Argos. All in all an often over looked historical figure who is absolutely fascinating and deserves more than to be a simple foot note in history.