In about 294, Pyrrhus married Lanassa, daughter of Agathocles, the tyrant of Syracuse. Soared by Demetrius’ marriage with his previous wife, Pyrrhus had now a personal quarrel with Demetrius. Some argue that the Molossian showed hesitance to remove the rival because of potential assistance that his rival could receive from one of the “successors” such as Cassander or Demetrius. Gentius was king... Albanian wildlife is rich in mid-size mammals and flyi... Bardylis ("Bardhyll" in modern Albanian language meani... Illyrian Kings: A Handbook on Illyrian Monarchy; Main Rulers and Dynasties. As far as he was concerned he had already made peace with them as he must have perceived Luscinus as their highest authority on the matter. Pyrrhus’ ventures suggest that he was an adventurer and explorer more than he was a politician. For Pyrrhus, this whole venture paid dividends when he was selected among many candidates to marry Antigone, a daughter Berenicé had from a previous marriage. He may have even threatened Antigonus with turning his arms against him if he did not respond with support. He always fought in the front ranks with his men, killing the enemies’ champions personally. The conspirators thought that everything was going according to plan and apparently lowered their guard. The city may have even gained some administrative status under the rule of Pyrrhus. He was son of the Molossian king, Aeacides and Phthia, a Thessalian woman. The Senate initially turned down the offer, as their commissioner had concluded a peace with Pyrrhus. Includes indexes. Jan 23, 2017 - Pyrrhus (319/318–272 BC) was a Greek general and statesman. Pyrrhus must have been aware of his strong position and may have even subtly threatened his helpers that in case they did not come to his aid he would turn his forces against them and not against the Romans. After all, Pyrrhus was a Molossian, a legitimate successor of the royal line of Epirus. Along with improvements in urbanization he sought to encourage civic activities by organizing the festival of Naia, an athletic competition held every four years. Only in recent years have scholars understood the unrealistic reports of the Roman sources and acknowledge Pyrrhus superiority in both commands and in soldiers. (Plutarch, Pyrrhus, VII). He had also been censor in 312, a duty during which he had constructed both the Via Appia and the first Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Appia. The Epirot returned into his secure domain. When Pyrrhus realized the problem, he rode along his line with his face bare to let his soldier know that he was alive and encourage them to decimate the enemy. Meanwhile, the Carthaginians used the time well and erected serious fortifications to improve the defenses of Lilybaeum. This is the Pyrrhic army of Epirus in the third century BC. Aristippus supported Antigonus so Pyrrhus naturally moved in favor of Aristeas. Cineas proved his point to Pyrrhus that no matter how many conquests he made, those conquests would not bring him happiness. The elephants even went wild and turned against their own lines. He also sent a messenger to his son Helenus who was waiting outside with the main force with instructions to destroy the gates so that his forces can quickly cross them. What Pyrrhus lacked were soldiers and money. By avoiding the Straits of Messana, Pyrrhus had devalued the 40,000 strong Puns that were stationed near the straits and had Syracuse on a silver platter. The treaty specified that Pyrrhus must be sent as hostage (actually more like an honourable guest) at Ptolemy’s realm. Pyrrhus of Epirus was a Greek general and statesman, whose military victories against Rome gave rise to the phrase ‘Pyrrhic victory’. At first, they hurled their spears, then, coming to close quarters, they plied their swords with might and skill. He was one of the strongest opponents of early Rome. The latter felt compelled to act and promptly assembled 60 warships and other transport vessels to carry 10,000 of his infantry and about 500 cavalries (apparently Agema and Thessalian contingent) as well as 19 elephants into Sicily. Moreover, the area was already prosperous, different from the other rough and remote regions of Epirus. Rather, the senators knew that they could go back to the Carthaginian offers and with their help fight Pyrrhus on two fronts. In that sense, the Molossian achieved a spectacular diplomatic victory on the verge of his Italian campaign. With the remaining of the troops, both Demetrius and Pyrrhus retreated safely into Greece. On reaching the top, again in a fashion adapt for Homeric poems, Pyrrhus killed all the enemies rushing against him and so seized the place. The storm forced Pyrrhus to jump out of his flagship with his men and swim into the nearby shore. A major slaughter took place at Pyrrhus’ front position as well. I’ll make them brave” (Frontinus, IV.I.III). According to the author “the other kings…represented Alexander with their purple robe, their body-guards, the inclination of their necks, and their louder tones in conversation; but Pyrrhus, and Pyrrhus alone, in arms and action”. Last wars and death A coin from Epirus. Pyrrhus was set alongside Caius Marius, the army reformer of the late Roman Republic, in Plutarch’s “Parallel Lives” (“Vitae Parallelae”). Pyrrhus had a chivalrous conduct that is reflected in his fightings. Plutarch describes this war-like behavior of the diadochi: “Shortly afterward, they (Pyrrhus and Lysimachus) perceived that the distribution (of Macedon) which they had made did not put an end to their enmity, but gave occasion for complaints and quarrels. . Alexander, being in no position to negotiate, accepted Pyrrhus demands. The Epirot king set sail from Tarentum and arrived in 10 days in the secured base of Locri (modern Reggio di Calabria). The Epirot embassy asked Glaucias to keep the child under his supervision. Then, he set sail for Epirus with 8,000 infantry and 500 cavalries. Encyclopædia Britannica ("Pyrrhus") (2013). The remaining Carthaginian garrisons were captured and executed. He was king of the Greek tribe of Molossians, of the royal Aeacid house (from c. 297 BC), and later he became king of Epirus and Macedon. Little do they know about Pyrrhus’ childhood and life before the Roman adventure. Pyrrhus was the son of Aeacides and a second cousin of Alexander the Great. The author’s narrative describes Pyrrhus actions in this battle, similar to a Homeric hero. Powered by WordPress #Pyrrhus of #Epirus #NEISA (North Epirus, in south Albania) 22/01/2014 Kisha Orthodhokse Autoqefale e Shqipërisë . The crossing into Sicily was a challenge on its own. When a portion of his army approached the Roman right flank, the Romans were already up and could notice their enemy at a distance. The topic deserves still specific treatment including other approaches. Up until the crossing in Italy, Plutarch had mentioned only a certain Polysperchon whom Pyrrhus at a drinking-party years ago described as being “a good general”. In the autumn of that same year, Pyrrhus took the initiative and invaded Macedon as Demetrius had fallen ill. His forces advanced through Berroia (modern Veria) and reached as far as Edessa without encountering any opposition. Pyrrhus or Pyrrhos (Greek: , Pyrros; 319/318 BC—272 BC) was a Greek general and statesman of the Hellenistic era. Pyrrhus himself would suffer from the elephants of the enemy that forced him and his unit into retreat. Yet, in fightings he was one of the best generals and the greatest tactician, comparable with figures such as Hannibal, Scipio, and, of course, Alexander the Great. Epirus (Greece and Albania) — History; Epirus (Greece and Albania) — Kings and rulers — Biography; Notes. The Ambracian Gulf offered a naturally protected harbor for domestic fleets and a secure trading port. Years ago, Agathocles had almost conquered Carthage by taking the war into Northern Africa, the same strategy was later successfully used by Scipio. Our King. Schurman, Jacob Gould (1916). As for Pyrrhus, his limited understanding of Roman politics suggest that he did not expect such a behavior from the Romans. pp. Pyrrhus of Epirus (also known as Pyrrhus I, Pyrrhus, or Phyrrhus), was born in 319/318 B.C.E. Before leaving Sicily he married his daughter Nereis with Gelo, son of Hiero I who became tyrant of Syracuse in 275 B.C.E. The removal of many rivals from the scene offered new opportunities for Pyrrhus in the east. Pyrrhus of Epirus and the Roman Republic. Antigonus appears near Argos and sent in the city his son along with a considerable relief force. The Spartans still assaulted levelers and made a bold stance. Cineas returned to Pyrrhus with the news of the broken peace. Eventually, Lysimachus alone was able to settle peace between the brothers; also an indirect victory for Pyrrhus policy of a divided Macedon. And since then greeks started the genocide against albanians that used to live there called cham and the region chameria . Barnsley: Pen & Sword Books Limited. Visit a page 5. On leaving Sicily, Pyrrhus famously remarked: “…what a wrestling ground for Carthaginians and Romans we are leaving behind us!” (Plutarch, XXIII), accurately predicting the Punic Wars. First, the Carthaginians approached the Romans. Pyrrhus ( / ˈpɪrəs / ; Greek : Πύρρος, Pyrrhos; 319/318–272 BC) was a general and statesman of the Hellenistic period. At the same time, the king ordered his archers and slingers to assault and kill the men operating the anti-elephant wagons. in Epirus. However, that speech alone cannot be credited for such a swift change in politics. However, it was clear that only one of the co-rulers would stand in control of Epirus. Meanwhile, he took over the defense and siege weaponry of the city. After Benjamin West. However, we are also told of the obsession Pyrrhus had towards Carthage and a north African campaign. Pyrrhus even built new siege equipment to pierce through the walled fortifications but was again repelled. In Peloponnesus, Cleonymus had proposed Pyrrhus an alliance against Sparta and its king Areus I (ruled 309-265 B.C.E.) It became clear that the conspiracy had been ordered from Neoptolemus himself. Your email address will not be published. The battle of Asculum was fought in 279 B.C.E., between Pyrrhus of Epirus and the Roman Republic. To the soldiers calling him Eagle, he responds: “Through you, I am an eagle, for how should I not be when I have your arms to sustain me”. If Demetrius army hoped to gain hold of Epirus he needed to have Aetolia under his belt to ensure his supply lines. Pyrrhus was born into the Aeacidae, a family line which included not only royal … Outmaneuvered in flanks and pushed on the front, Pyrrhus signaled the retreat. When Demetrius sieged Athens, Pyrrhus advanced south to relieve the siege. His oldest son Ptolemy Pyrrhus left in charge of the kingdom. Ptolemy himself reassured his initial hunch of Pyrrhus being a worthy investment. His father, Aeacides, was the King of Epirus from 331 to 313 BC while his mother, Phthia, was the daughter of Menon of Pharsalus and second cousin to Alexander the Great. Pyrrhus’ fleet dodged the enemy patrollers by sailing below the heel of Italy, from Locri into Tauromenium (modern Taormina), just south of Messana (modern Messina). The explanation that remains is that Pyrrhus acted with an initial tolerance towards his rival because he wanted to first establish his reputation among the subjects. On his way back to mainland Italy, the Sicilian fleet carrying Pyrrhic forces across the straits was assaulted by Carthaginian ships. It was here that one of them presumably compared the Romans to the Lernaean Hydra referring to the speed at which the Romans could gather new armies after each defeat. Moreover, Alexandria must have been the ideal place for him to further his knowledge on military tactics and leadership. Pyrrhus argued that his armies should leave to the enemy an open way into retreat, so that the enemy actually felt tempted in retreating and thus saving both sides from further losses. Thus, Glaucias took the child, adopted it, and raised it in a fashion worthy of a monarch. Other otherwise unattested generals and companions were Megacles who fell at the battle of Heraclea, Leonnatus from Macedonia, Euegorus son of Theodorus, Balacrus son of Nicander, and Deinarchus son of Nicias. The latter was able with difficulties to repel the Campanian assault and only then travel back safely into Tarentum. By literally setting pigs on fire and throwing them at the elephants the Romans were able to force them to flight. of the royal Aeacid house (from c. 297 BC), (r. 288–284, 273–272 BC). However, its throne was now held by Ptolemy, son of that Ptolemy who had helped him regain the throne in Epirus. In the speech held before the Senate, he declared against any peace with Pyrrhus as long as he later maintained his forces in the peninsula. Meanwhile, with his main force of about 30,000 soldiers, Pyrrhus marched against the other consul Manius Curius that had encamped near the town of Beneventum. Buy, sell, trade and exchange collectibles easily with Colnect collectors community. On left is the head of Pyrrhus' mother, Phthia. I'll present in a brief manner some of general proofs that indicate Pelasgo-Illyrian-Albanian continuity in Epirus. Thus, he moved the elephants on the front to act as “tanks” where they could also stay away from the anti-elephant wagons of the enemy. At about the same period, Pyrrhus married Bircenna, daughter of king Bardylis II the Younger (the marriage whom he had attended years before when it cost him his throne). This also unified the forces of the colony against the common enemy. The Epirot was apparently following the same policy. These people buried their leaders in large tumuli containing shaft graves, similar to the Mycenaean tombs, indicating an ancestral link between Epirus and the Mycenaean civilization. The reinforced city forces Pyrrhus and his forces to leave the site. In key moments he did not focus on what he had already gained but instead went pursuing another target. Pyrrhus, keeping a relatively weak center, moved against the enemy with powerful wings. Meanwhile Demetrius, after giving up Athens, sued for peace to Pyrrhus. It was the year 295 and Pyrrhus had become the sole ruler of Epirus. Rather than this, it is more plausible to think that Ptolemy handpicked Pyrrhus to turn him into his custody. Moreover, Syracusans provided him with 120 decked ships, 20 without decks, and a massive royal ship with nine sets of roars. The other Alexander. The conquest of Peloponnesus would also allow Pyrrhus to conquer the remaining Antigonid strongholds along with southern Greece. Although Pyrrhus was born in the royal house of the Molossians, he suffered from severe threats since he was six years old. Yet, rather than acting on this sole pretext, Pyrrhus used Alexander V’ plea to gain as much as he could from the weak Macedonian ruler. Accordingly, in 297 B.C.E., Pyrrhus arrived at Alexandria, the formidable centre of the Ptolemaic kingdom. Ptolemy was proclaimed king of Macedon (ruled 282-278). In 289 B.C.E., Demetrius overrun Aetolia and threatened the southern border of Epirus. Alexander the Great who is certainly the greatest adventurous hero of history lived in an ancient time, thus as it is common it is impossible to have the utmost security even for researchers of that era. He apparently planned to return to Italy and face the Romans with renewed forces. Demetrius had already left Pantauchus in Aetolia with the task of garrisoning the region. The decision to refuse Carthaginian help and relieve the siege of Lilybaeum is attributed to Pyrrhus’ rash tempter. This was the period of the Successors and war between them was the norm, dragging in other states. ).They claimed that the Illyrians were the most ancient people in the Balkans and greatly extended the age of the Illyrian language. We are told by Frontinus (II, VI, X) that he instructed his generals not to pursue the enemy into retreat. Pyrrhus refused the deal and continued the siege. Cineas must have also helped a great deal in convincing the Tarentines of the king’s good intentions. Pyrrhus’ royal inheritance and even his life were threatened just after he was born, by Cassander, then regent king of Macedon (ruled 305-297). North epirus is in south albania and south epirus used to be in albania before 1913 when in london's conference was decided that south epirus goes to greece. However, the ongoing refusal of the Carthaginian peace offer seems a diplomatic fiasco from Pyrrhus. Other constructions included a round wall along his capital Ambracia and the addition of a new also fortified suburb in the capital called the “Pyrrhaeum”, the acropolis at Passaron, and many other sites. Most people know Pyrrhus I of Epirus from the epic battles he waged against the Romans. For this battle at Asculum, the Romans had crafted a wide range of anti-elephant weapons. He was distinguished for his diplomatic skills and had been a student of the famous Demosthenes. Gaining Thessaly meant that Pyrrhus could secure his Macedonian possession on the southern frontier and even planning a continuous borderline that runs from northern Aetolia west into southern Thessaly east. This is no wonder when considering the habit of Pyrrhus to involve personally in the fightings. The Roman had been defeated in open battle and driven out of southern Italy, while the southern Italic populations joined Pyrrhus’ side. He at once relieved the Greek city of Heracleia/Heraclea Minoa (Cattolica Eraclea), up until then garrisoned by Carthage. Pronounce word 150. The military adventures of Pyrrhus overstrained his state's military resources, but they also brought great prosperity to Epirus. Having expanded his reputation with recent campaigns in Macedonia, yet not achieving much material gain, in 280 BC Pyrrhus would have been eagerly waiting to show what he could do to the rest of the Greek world. Also, some 20 (out of a 100 they had stationed there) had been sent away for supplies which reduced the overall size of their navy. The Romans were somewhat encouraged by this while the Pyrrhic soldiers got confused. According to Dion Cassius: “Pyrrhus raised the signal for the elephants. Pyrrhus was also the second-cousin of Alexander the Great of Macedon (ruled 336-323). Cross, Geoffrey Neale (1932). He developed into an brave and capable commander before returning to Epirus as King. It could also serve as a base for a military expedition across the Ionian Sea. After being allied to Demetrius and taken hostage, he was befriended by Ptolemy I Soter… In charge of this force, Pyrrhus sailed back to Epirus. Lilybaeum could prove to be another “Rhodes”. In 298 B.C.E., Demetrius and Macedonian king of Egypt Ptolemy I Soter (ruled 323-282 B.C.E.) Pyrrhus’ strategy had turned into a grand strategy of enormous proportions. He was the son of Aeacides, king of Epirus (ruled 331-316, 313) part of the ruling Epirot tribe of the Molossians, and Phthia, a noblewoman from Thessaly, daughter of Menon. Pyrrhus decided to counteract in order to prevent a Macedonian invasion of Aetolia which would leave Epirus vulnerable to enemy incursions from the south. Indeed, some of his wins turned out to be as much costly for him as for the Romans, referring to which, he is believed to have said "If we are victorious in one more battle with the Romans, we shall be utterly ruined". To rally up the Tarentine and the allies, Pyrrhus initiated clever propaganda that justified his presence there. The peace agreement dissolved in the next campaign season of 288. Rather than turning back to follow Demetrius who was advancing in his kingdom, Pyrrhus continued his advance north. Pyrrhus had already accomplished a major achievement: he had become the first person to invade a country with elephants through the sea. He was son of the Molossian king, Aeacides and Phthia, a Thessalian woman. The two sides joined into battle where “there was a sharp and terrible conflict between the soldiers who engaged, and especially also between the leaders. A strange thing about Pyrrhus’ appearance was that he had some kind of mutation that made his upper jaw look like a continuous bone. On the news of the Roman charge, Pyrrhus mobilized his army and moved them all into the river crossing where they confronted the enemy. Rather, it seems that Pyrrhus’ invasion was for the purpose of capturing new territories rather the plundering alone. Appius Claudius’ speech turned the Senators against a peace deal with Pyrrhus. The latter, thinking he had killed the king[1], grabbed the victim’s cloak and helmet and, holding them high displayed them as he rode in front of Laevinus. After the incident, the king switched his cloak, armor, and helmet with Megacles while himself retreated unnoticed into the safety of the back lines. And so they did. This would confront the Roman soldiers with creatures they had never confronted before. Pyrrhus of Epirus was born in 318 BC. A copy of his “Tactic” fell into the hands of a Carthaginian cavalry commander called Hannibal. Disheartened at this, the Roman army turned to flight, and in the rout the soldiers were slain by the men in the towers on the elephants’ back, and others by the beasts themselves, which destroyed many with their trunks and tusks (or teeth) and crushed and trampled underfoot as many more. Antigone herself did not survive childbirth. Not long after, determined to engage the Epirot, the Romans took the initiative. Cineas having brought Pyrrhus to this point rightly said: “Then what stands in our way now if we want to drink bumpers and while away the time with one another? If Pyrrhus would have accepted the Carthaginian alliance he could use their splendid naval prowess against Rome. He was one of the strongest opponents of early Rome. As his horse fell, Pyrrhus was saved from hitting the ground by his companions. Lysimachus assaulted from his Thracian possession, while Pyrrhus moved east to occupy lower Macedonian territories. This caused the loss of some of the force and the ships and made the landing near Rhegium most difficult. Near the city, Pyrrhus faced a Spartan army of 15,000 men and routed them. who was away campaigning in Crete. A traditional geographic region lying partly in northwestern Greece (where it includes Arta, Ioannina, Preveza and Thesprotia) and partly in southern Albania (an area known as Northern Epirus). The five thousand captured soldiers were promptly released by Pyrrhus in what seems to be a gesture of promoting him as a merciful leader. Here he tried to turn the populations and cities of Campania against Rome. The marriage with the Illyrians not only secured Epirus from the north but also gave way to Pyrrhus ambition in this area. For how men to whose rapacity neither sea nor mountain nor uninhabitable desert sets a limit, men to whose inordinate desires the boundaries which separate Europe and Asia put no stop, can remain content with what they have and do one another no wrong when they are in close touch, it is impossible to say. Pyrrhus himself, according to Dionysius, was wounded in the shoulder by a javelin. Also, a divided Macedon would keep Demetrius away from interfering in Macedon after he had concluded his campaign in Peloponnesus. He also founded new cities and, in the fashion of other Hellenistic kings, such as Berenice (modern Kastrosykia), whom he named after his mother in law, and Antigonea (modern Saraqinishtë), named after his first wife. Pyrrhus was a Greek king and statesman of the Hellenistic period. This force was soon joined by Areus with a combined force of 1,000 Spartans and Cretans. #NEISA North Epirus, in south Albania . They were Greeks, specifically speaking a North-West Dialect probably close to Macedonian. The latter was heard speaking about it at his sister Cadmeia’s house by Phaenarete, wife of Samon who managed Neoptolemus’ flocks. Pyrrhus tells how he would first defeat and subdue the Romans. Here, Plutarch draws from another author, Hieronymus, who maintained a pro-Antigonid view. Accordingly, Helenus moved into the gates where they bumped into the forces of Pyrrhus who were actually trying to go outside the gates. A land force of 50,000 and a fleet of 100 ships kept the whole colony under siege while constantly ravaging their lands. Along with military campaigns, Pyrrhus embarked on large construction projects across Epirus which increased the prosperity of his kingdom. With this move, the king had successfully avoided Roman armies from joining but had yet two defeats Curius’ well-prepared force of about 25,000 men. Anglin, Jay Pascal; Hamblin, William James (1993). This move proved difficult in a terrain unknown to him. It is commonly thought that the Romans had exploited Pyrrhus’ absence to regain much territory. ISBN 090574313X : LCCN 80492163 ; OCLC. The decision of Pyrrhus to relieve the siege is regarded as a major mistake. Epirus before Pyrrhus and after the demise of Alexander the Molossian is dominated by periods of social and political turmoils. When they refused, Pyrrhus acted as if Antigonus and other allies were coming to his support. Although participant in a defeat, Plutarch praises Pyrrhus for leading a brave charge against the opponents in his front and making a “brilliant display of valour among the combatants”. The Molossian invested heavily in conquering Eryx. The acquisition of these resources and the prompt response of his allies is in itself enough to conclude that Pyrrhus was a force the others Diadochi feared. by Roger Nieuwoudt. Pilgrims visited Dodona frequently and thus were a constant source of income to Epirus. Our King. To prevent this, the Carthaginians needed an alliance with at least one of the sides that fought in Heraclea. Apparently, it became a matter of who would kill the other first. Surely this privilege is ours already, and we have at hand, without taking any trouble, those things to which we hope to attain by bloodshed and great toils and perils, after doing much harm to others and suffering much ourselves” (Plutarch, XIV). Antigonus Gonatas provided Pyrrhus with transport ships that the Epirot somehow adopted to carry his elephants. Pyrrhus proved a tough opponent for Demetrius. Pyrrhus must have hoped on a peace that would keep the two brothers rule over a divided Macedon; and a divided Macedon would be ideal for him to potentially intervene there again in the upcoming years. An analysis of Pyrrhus’ political and military traits during the Hellenistic Era. Rather than pursuing Antigonus, Pyrrhus moved on plans of invading Peloponnesus. Antigonus’ refusal to help him in Italy had given the Epirot the pretext to interfere in Macedonian affairs. The Carthaginian there made a brave resistance forcing Pyrrhus into a siege position for a considerable time. At this point, the Carthaginians encouraged the Mamertines to harass Pyrrhus’ allies. He had married Beroea, a Molossian princess who, as Pyrrhus, was part of the Aeacides family. The region would contribute mostly to Pyrrhus efforts on increased overseas trade. The Spartans kept their resistance and with the help of the women prepared parallel trenches fronting the enemy camp with anti-elephant wagons on the flanks. Aeacides’ family was persecuted and many of his friends were killed. Retrieved from: https://erenow.net/ww/warfare-in-the-classical-world-an-illustrated-encyclopedia/8.php?fbclid=IwAR2e3S6PD9w0MUYiNP9ADquEh4wXEOc03UattZz1IVdn7xt4SV-9G4TMeew. He then added to this force the other troops he had stationed at Tarentum along with Tarentine reinforcements. Pyrrhus had won without a fight and Demetrius, to avoid being killed by his own remaining soldiers, left the camp disguised as a simple soldier. With Epirus under his grip and borders secured, Pyrrhus could aspire to achieve important imperialistic goals, worthy of his might. One of the 13 peripheries (administrative regions) of modern Greece . in Epirus. Artwork by Peter Dennis. Pyrrhus moved cautiously not to drive his rival out. Megacles, who many perceived to be the king, was soon overwhelmed by the enemies until he was killed by a certain Dexous. It seems that the Epirot was in friendly territory. Although victorious, Romans proved a persistent foe. The city was founded in 295 BCE by Pyrrhus, the king of the Molossians, who named it after his wife Antigone, daughter of Berenice I and step-daughter of Ptolemy I of Egypt. Pyrrhus of Epirus and the Roman Republic. After his victories over Mamertines and Carthaginians, Pyrrhus began designing a united Sicilian kingdom with him or his son Alexander as a king. Delvina Wikipedia’s articles on the history of Epirus contradict historical evidence which speak for an Albanian identity of Epirus throughout ages.