Pyrrhus of Epirus was rated by Hannibal as the second greatest general yet seen (placing himself third). Indeed, Hannibal referred to Pyrrhus as his teacher, although the two never met, since he learnt so much of the art of war from his writings. Pyrrhus was born into the royal house of Epirus, northwest Greece, and was a second-cousin of Alexander the Great. His mother was forced to flee into exile to protect his life when he was a mere infant, yet he prospered in troubled times and went from a refugee to become king. Always an adventurer with an eye for the main chance, he was deeply involved in the cut-and-thrust campaigning, coups and subterfuges of the Successor kingdoms. At various times he was king of Epirus (twice), Macedon (twice) and Sicily, as well as overlord of much of southern Italy. In 281 BC he was invited by the southern Italian states to defend them against the aggressive expansion of the burgeoning Roman republic. His early victories over the Roman armies at Heraclea and Asculum (assisted by his use of elephants) were won at such a high price in casualties that they gave us the expression 'Pyrrhic victory'. These battles were the first clashes between the hitherto-dominant Hellenistic way of warfare (as developed by Alexander) and the Roman legions, and so full of tactical interest. He failed in Italy and Sicily but when on to further military adventures in Greece, eventually being killed in action while storming the city of Argos. AUTHOR: Jeff Champion has studied Hellenistic history and warfare for many years and has written numerous well-received articles for specialist journals such as Slingshot, the journal of the Society of Ancients. This is his first book. He is a customs official and lives in Western Australia. SELLING POINTS: * Biography of one of the greatest and most ambitious warlords of the ancient world, rated by Hannibal as a greater general than himself. * Full of epic battles, campaigns and twists of fate - he went from infant refugee to king of Epirus (twice), Macedon (twice) and Sicily as well as overlord of much of southern Italy. * Pyrrhus battled the Romans in Italy (with more elephants) half a century before Hannibal, with some success. The first contest between Roman legion and Hellenistic armies. * The only full-length biography of this fascinating character in print in English.
