The Battle of Asculum in 279 BC gave rise to the term 'Pyrrhic victory,' describing a win so costly it is effectively a defeat.
Key Facts
- Date
- 279 BC
- Duration
- One or two days
- War
- Pyrrhic War
- Preceding battle
- Battle of Heraclea, 280 BC
- Ancient sources
- Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Plutarch, Cassius Dio
- Outcome (prevailing view)
- Narrow tactical victory for Pyrrhus
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following Pyrrhus of Epirus's victory at Heraclea in 280 BC, the Pyrrhic War continued as Rome refused to capitulate. Pyrrhus advanced into southern Italy, moving the conflict into Lucanian territory near Asculum, seeking to press his military advantage and force a Roman settlement.
Near Asculum in 279 BC, the Roman consuls Publius Decius Mus and Publius Sulpicius Saverrio faced King Pyrrhus of Epirus in a battle lasting one or two days. Pyrrhus ultimately leveraged flat terrain to deploy his war elephants, infantry, and cavalry effectively, achieving a costly tactical victory over the Roman forces.
Although Pyrrhus technically won at Asculum, his losses in men and officers were so severe that the victory provided little strategic advantage. The engagement became the original example of a 'Pyrrhic victory,' a concept that endures in modern usage, and Pyrrhus was unable to capitalize on his wins to compel Rome into a decisive peace.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Publius Decius Mus, Publius Sulpicius Saverrio.
Side B
1 belligerent
Pyrrhus of Epirus.