But his efforts could not
identified with that statue which was dedicated by restore the day, and he was obliged to fly from the
Pericles to the goddess in gratitude for the recovery field.
identified with that statue which was dedicated by restore the day, and he was obliged to fly from the
Pericles to the goddess in gratitude for the recovery field.
William Smith - 1844 - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities - c
17).
The conjecture is not improbable
with the Magians and the Indian gymnosophists. that Pyrrhon regarded the great Athenians as his
That his sceptical theories originated in his inter- pattern. The statement that the Athenians con-
course with them was asserted by Ascanius of ferred upon Pyrrhon the rights of citizenship sounds
Abdera (a writer with whom we are otherwise un- suspicious on account of the reason which is ap-
acquainted), probably without any reason (Diog. pended, for according to the unanimous testimony
Laërt. ix. 61). It is more likely that he derived of the ancients, Python, the disciple of Plato, had
from them his endeavours after ini perturbable equa- slain the Thracian Cotus (Diog. Inërt. ix. 65, ib.
nimity, and entire independence of all external Menage) ; it probably rests upon some gloss.
circumstances, and the resistance of that mobility No books written by Pyrrhon are quoted (comp.
which is said to have been natural to him (ib. 62, Aristocl. 1. c. p. 763, c. ), except a poem addressed
63, comp. 66, 68 ; Timon, ibid. c. 65). It is mani- to Alexander, which was rewarded by the latter in
fest, however, that his biographer Antigonus had so royal a manner (Sext. Emp. adv. Math. i. 282 ;
already invented fables about him. (Diog. Laërt. Pluto de Alex. Fortuna, i. 10), that the statements
1. c. ; Aristocl. ap. Euseb. p. 763 ; Plut. de Prof. respecting the poverty of the philosopher's mode of
in Virt. c. 9. ) A balf insane man, such as he de life are not easily reconcilable with it. We have
picts him, the Eleans assuredly would never have no mention of the year either of the birth or of the
chosen as high priest (Diog. Laërt. ix. 64; comp. death of Pyrrhon, but only that he reached the age
llesych. Miles. p. 50, ed. Orell. ); and Aeneside of 90 years (Diog. Laërt. ix. 62); nor do we learn
mus, to confute such stories, had already maintained how old he was when he took part in Alexander's
that Pyrrhon had indeed in philosophising refrained expedition. But Arcesilas, who in his turn was late
from decision, but that in action he by no means enough to be quoted by Timon, is said to have
blindly abandoned himself to be the sport of cir- been one of his associates (winnkads núppwvi.
cumstances. (Diog. Laërt. ix. 64. ) The young Numen. in Euseb. Praep. Evang. xii. 6). Among
Nausiphanes (probably a later contemporary of the disciples of Pyrrhon, besides those already men-
Epicurus) Pyrrhon won over, not indeed to his tioned, were also Eurylochus, Phiro the Athenian,
doctrine, but to his disposition (Olágeois), to which and Hecataeus of Abdera. (Diog. Laërt. ix. 68,
Epicurus also could not refuse a lively recognition. 69 ; comp. Lucian, Vib. Auct. 27. ) The Eleans
(Diog. Laërt. ix. 64. ) Pyrrhon's disciple Timon, honoured the memory of their philosophical coun.
who, in his Pythor, had detailed long conversations tryman even after his death. Pausanins saw his
which he had with Pyrrhon (Aristocl. 1. c. p. 761 ; likeness (a bust or statue) in a stoa by the agora of
comp. Diog. Laërt. ix. 67), extolled with admira- Elis, and a monument dedicated to him outside the
tion his divine repose of soul, his independence of city (vi. 24, $ 5).
(Ch. A. B. ]
all the shackles of external relations, and of all de PYRRHON, artists. Besides the celebrated
ception and sophistical obscurity. He compared philosopher of Elis, who was also distinguished as a
him to the imperturbable sun-god, who hangs aloft painter, there was an Ephesian sculptor, the son of
over the earth" (ib. 65, comp. 67 ; Sext. Emp. adv. Hecatoleos, whose name occurs on an inscription
Math. i. 305; Aristocl. ap. Euseb. l. c. p. 761, as the maker of a statue of honour, of the Roman
&c. ). What progress he had made in laying a age. (Böckh, Corp. Inscr. , No. 2987 ; R. Rochette,
scientific foundation for his scepsis cannot be de- Lettre à M. Schorn, p. 395, 2d edit. ) [P. S. ]
termined with accuracy, but it is probable that PYRRHUS, mythological. (NEOPTOLEMUS. ]
Timon, who, as it appears, was more a poet than a PYRRHUS, artists. 1. An architect, of un-
philosopher (TIMON), was indebted to him for the known age, who, with his sons Lacrates and Her-
essential features of the reasons for doubt which mon, built the treasury of the Epidamnians at
were developed by him. Just as later sceptice saw Olympia. (Paus. vi. 19. § 5. 8. 8. ).
the beginnings of their doctrines in the expressions 2. A statuary, who is mentioned in the list of
of the poets and most ancient philosophers on the Pliny as the maker of bronze statues of Hygia
insufficiency of human knowledge and the uncer- and Minerva. (H. N. xxxiv. 8. 8. 19. $ 20. ) Pliny
tainty of life, so Pyrrhon also interpreted lines of tells us nothing more of the artist ; but, in the
his favourite poet Homer in the sceptical sense. year 1840, a base was found in the Acropolis at
(Diog. Laërt, ix. 67 ; comp. Sext. Emp. adv. Math Athens, bearing the following inscription –
i. 272, 281. ) That dogmatic convictions lay at the
AOENAIOITEIA O ENA IAITEITSIEIAI
foundation of the scepticism of Pyrrhon, was main-
ΠΥΡΡΟΣΕΠΟΙΗΣΕΝΑΘΕΝΑΙΟΣ,
tained only by Numenius. (Diog. Laërt. ix. 68. )
Still more groundless, without doubt, is the state and near it were the remains of another base. It
ment of the Abderite Ascanius, that Pyrrhon can scarcely be doubted that these bases belonged
would recognise neither Beautiful nor Ugly, Right to the statues of Hygieia, the daughter of Ascle-
nor Wrong, and maintained that as nothing is ac- pius, and of Athena surnamed Hygieia, which
cording to truth, so the actions of men are deter- Pausanias mentions (i. 24. § 4. s. 5) as among the
mined only by law and custom. (Diog. Laërt. ix. most remarkable works of art in the Acropolis, and
61; comp. Aristocl. ap. Euseb. I. c. p. 761. ) That, as standing in the very place where these bases
on the contrary, he left the validity of moral re- were found ; and further, that the statues are the
quirements unassailed, and directed his endeavours same as those referred to by Pliny ; and that his
to the production of a moral state of disposition, is Pyrrhus is the same as Pyrrhus the Athenian, who
attested not only by individual, well-authenticated is mentioned in the above inscription as the maker
traits of character (Diog. Laërt. ix. 66, aſter Era- 1 of the statue of Athena Hygieia, which was de
!
1
VOL. III.
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610
PYRRHUS.
PYRRHUS.
:
dicated by the Athenians. The letters of the in- still only seventeen years of age, joined Demetrius,
scription evidently belong to about the period of who had married his sister Deïdameia, accompanied
the Peloponnesian war. (Ross, in the Kunstblatt, i him to Asia, and was present at the battle of Ipsus,
1840, No. 37 ; Schöll, Archäol. Mittheil, aus B. C. 301, in which he gained great renown for his
Griechenland, p. 126 ; R. Rochette, Lettre à M. valour. Though so young, he bore down for a
Schorn, pp. 396, 397, 2d ed. ) Raoul-Rochette time every thing before him with that impetuous
makes the very ingenious suggestion that the courage, which always distinguished him in his
statue of Athena Hygieia by Pyrrhus should be subsequent engagements.
But his efforts could not
identified with that statue which was dedicated by restore the day, and he was obliged to fly from the
Pericles to the goddess in gratitude for the recovery field. Antigonus fell in the battle, and Demetrius
of his favourite Mnesicles from the injuries re became a fugitive ; but Pyrrhus did not desert his
ceived by a fall during the building of the Pro- brother-in-law in his misfortunes, and shortly after-
pylaea. (MNESICLES. ] Be this as it may, it is wards went for him as a hostage into Egypt, when
clear that Pyrrhus was an eminent artist of the Demetrius concluded a peace with Ptolemy. Here
Athenian school at the middle of the fifth cen- Pyrrhus was fortunate enough to win the favour of
tury, B. C.
Berenice, the wife of Ptolemy, and received in
3. Agathobulus F. L. Pyrrhus, a Greek freed marriage Antigone, her daughter by her first hus
man of the Roman era, whose name occurs in an band. Ptolemy now supplied him with a fleet
inscription found at Pesaro, as Figulus Sigillator, and men, and he was thus once more able to return
that is, a maker of the small terra-cotta images to Epeirus. Neoptolemus, probably the son of
called sigilla. (Orelli, Inscr. Lat. Select. No. 4191; Alexander who died in Italy, had reigned from the
R. Rochette, Lettre à M. Schorn, pp. 397, 398, 2d time that Pyrrhus had been driven from the king-
ed. )
[P. S. ] dom ; but as he had made himself unpopular by
PYRRHUS (Túpsos), king of Epeirus, born his harsh and tyrannical rule, Pyrrhus found many
about the year B. C. 318, was the son of Aeacides partisans. The two rivals consented to a compromise
and Phthia, the daughter of Menon of Pharsalus, a and agreed to share the sovereignty between them.
distinguished leader in the struggle between Mace But such an arrangement could not last long; and
donia and Greece after the death of Alexander, Pyrrhus anticipated his own destruction by putting
usually called the Lamian war. The ancestors of his rival to death. This appears to have happened
Pyrrhus claimed descent from Pyrrhus, the son of in B. c. 295, in which year Pyrrhus is said to have
Achilles, who was said to have settled in Epeirus begun to reign (Vell. Pat. i. 14. & 6); and as Cas.
after the Trojan war, and to have become the sander did not die till the end of B. C. 297, the
founder of the race of Molossian kings. His father joint sovereignty of Pyrrhus and Neoptolemus
had succeeded to the throne on the death of his could have lasted only a short time, as it is impro-
cousin Alexander, who was slain in Italy in B. C. bable that Pyrrhus ventured to return to his native
326. Alexander was the brother of Olympias, country during the life-time of his great enemy
the wife of Philip and the mother of Alexander the Cassander.
Great ; and it was this connection with the royal Pyrrhus was twenty-three years of age when he
family of Macedonia, which brought misfortune was firmly established on the throne of Epeirus
upon the early years of Pyrrhus. His father (B. C. 295), and he soon became one of the most
Aeacides had taken part with his relative Olympias, popular princes of his age. His daring courage
and had marched into Macedonia to support her made him a favourite with his troops, and his affa-
against Cassander ; but when the latter proved bility and generosity secured the love of his people.
victorious, and Aeacides and Olympias were obliged His character resembled in many respects that of
to take to flight, the Epeirots, who disliked their his great kinsman, the conqueror of Persia ; and
king and were unwilling to be any longer involved he seems at an early age to have made Alexander
in war with Cassander, met in a general assembly, his model, and to have been fired with the ambition
and deprived Aeacides of the throne. Aeacides of imitating his exploits and treading in his footsteps.
himself was out of the way ; but many of his His eyes were first directed to the conquest of Ma-
friends were put to death, and Pyrrhus, who was cedonia. Master of that country, he might hope to
then a child of only two years old, was with diffi- obtain the sovereignty of Greece ; and with the
culty saved from destruction by the faithful ad- whole of Greece under his sway, there was a bound-
herents of the king. They escape:] with the child less prospect for his ambition, terminating on the
to Glaucias, the king of the Taulantians, an Illyrian one side with the conquest of Italy, Sicily, and
people, who afforded him protection, and nobly Carthage, and on the other with the dominions of
refused to surrender him to Cassander. Aeacides the Greek monarchs in the East. The unsettled
died soon afterwards in battle, and Pyrrhus was state of Macedonia after the death of Cassander.
brought up by Glaucias along with his own children. soon placed the first object of his ambition within
About ten years afterwards, when Demetrius had his grasp. Antipater and Alexander, the sons of
shaken the power of Cassander in Greece, Glaucias Cassander, quarrelled for the inheritance of their
restored Pyrrhus to the throne ; but as he was then father ; and Alexander, unable to maintain his
only twelve years old, the kingdom was governed ground, applied to Pyrrhus for assistance. This
by guardians. But Pyrrhus did not long remain was granted on condition of Alexander's ceding to
in possession of his hereditary dominions. Deme Pyrrhus the whole of the Macedonian dominions
trius was obliged to abandon Greece, in order to on the western side of Greece. These were Acar-
cross over to Asia to the assistance of his father, nania, Amphilochia, and Ambracia, and likewise
Antigonus, who was menaced by the united forces the districts of Tymphaea and Parauaea, which
of Cassander, Ptolemy, Seleucus, and Lysimachus; formed part of Macedonia itself. (Plut. Pyrrh. 6,
and as Cassander had now regained his supremacy with the emendation of Niebuhr, Hist. of Rome,
in Greece, he prevailed upon the Epeirots to expel vol. iii. note 311, Napavalay instead of Olapaxlav. )
their young king a second time. Pyrrhus, who was | Pyrrhus fulfilled his engagements to Alexander
## p. 611 (#627) ############################################
PYRRHUS.
611
PYRRHUS.
and drovė his brother Antipater out of Macedonia, / who brought him the island of Corcym ns a dowry
B. C. 294, though it appears that the latter was But Lanassa, offended with the attention which
subsequently allowed to retain a small portion of Pyrrhus paid to his barbarian wives, had with-
the country. (Thirlwall's Greece, vol. viii. p. 16. ) drawn to her principality of Corcyra, which she
• Pyrrhus had greatly increased his power by the now bestowed upon Demetrius together with her
large accession of territory which he had thus hand. Pyrrhus accordingly returned to Epeirus
gained, and he still further strengthened himself by more incensed than ever against Demetrius The
forming an alliance with the Aetolians ; but the latter had previously withdrawn into Macedonia.
rest of Macedonia unexpectedly fell into the hands At the beginning of the following year, B. C. 288,
of a powerful neighbour. Alexander had applied Pyrrhus took advantage of a dangerous illness of
to Demetrius for assistance at the same time as he Demetrius to invade Macedonia. He advanced as
sent to Pyrrhus for the same purpose ; but as the far as Edessa without meeting with any opposition ;
latter was the nearest at hand, he had restored but when Demetrius was able to put himself at
Alexander to his kingdom before Demetrius could the head of his troops, ho drove his rival out of the
arrive at the scene of action. Demetrius, however, country without difficulty. But as he had now
was unwilling to lose such an opportunity of ag- formed the vast design of recovering the whole of
grandizement ; he' accordingly left Athens, and his father's dominions in Asia, he hastened to con-
reached Macedonia towards the end of the year clude a peace with Pyrrhus, in order to continuo
B. C. 294. He had not been there many days be his preparations undisturbed. His old enemies,
fore he put Alexander to death, and thus became Seleucus, Ptolemy, and Lysimachus, once more
king of Macedonia. Between two such powerful entered into a league against him, and resolved to
neighbours and such restless spirits, as Demetrius crush him in Europe before he had time to cross
and Pyrrhus, jealousies and contentions were sure over into Asia. They easily persuaded Pyrrhus to
to arise. Each was anxious for the dominions of break his recent treaty with Demetrius, and join
the other, and the two former friends soon became the coalition against him. Accordingly, in the
the most deadly enemies. Deïdameia, who might spring of B. C. 287, while Ptolemy appeared with a
have acted as a mediator between her husband and powerful fleet off the coasts of Greece, Lysimachus
her brother, was now dead. The jealousies between invaded the upper and Pyrrhus the lower provinces
the two rivals at length broke out into open war of Macedonia at the same time. Demetriun first
in B. C. 291. It was during this year that Thebes marched against Lysimachus, but alarmed at the
revolted a second time against Demetrius, probably growing disaffection of his troops, and fearing that
at the instigation of Pyrrhus; and while the Ma- they might go over to Lysimachus, who had been
cedonian monarch proceeded in person to chastise one of the veteran generals and companions of Alex-
the rebellious inhabitants, Pyrrhus effected a diver- ander, he suddenly retraced his steps and proceeded
sion in their favour by invading Thessaly, but was against Pyrrhus, who had already advanced as far
compelled to retire into Epeirus before the superior as Beroea and had taken up his quarters in that city.
forces of Demetrius. In B. C. 290 Thebes surren- But Pyrrhus proved a rival as formidable as Lysi-
dered, and Demetrius was thus at liberty to take machus. The kindness with which he had treated
vengeance on Pyrrhus and his Aetolian allies. Ac- his prisoners, and his condescension and affability
cordingly, he invaded Aetolia in the spring of B. C. to the inhabitants of Beroea, had won all hearts;
289, and after overrunning and ravaging the country and accordingly, when Demetrius drew near, his
almost without opposition, he marched into Epeirus, troops deserted him in a body and transferred
leaving Pantauchus with a strong body of his troops their allegiance to Pyrrhus. Demetrius was obliged
to keep the Aetolians in subjection. Pyrrhus ad- to fly in disguise, and leave the kingdom to his
vanced to meet him ; but as the two armies took dif- rival. Pyrrhus, however, was unable to obtain
ferent roads, Demetrius entered Epeirus and Pyrrhus possession of the whole of Macedonia: Lysima-
Aetolia almost at the same time. Pantauchus im- chus claimed his share of the spoil, and the king-
mediately offered him battle, in the midst of which dom was divided between them. But Pyrrhus
he challenged the king to single combat. This was did not long retain his portion ; the Macedonians
immediately accepted by the youthful monarch ; preferred the rule of their old general Lysimachus ;
and in the conflict which ensued, Pyrrhus bore his and Pyrrhus was accordingly driven out of his
enemy to the ground, and would have killed him newly acquired kingdom ; thus leaving Lysimachus
on the spot, had he not been rescued by his friends. master of the entire country. It is doubtful
The Macedonians, dismayed by the fall of their how long Pyrrhus reigned in Macedonia. Dexip-
leader, took to flight and left Pyrrhus master of pus and Porphyry (apud Euseb. Arm. p. 329, ed.
the field. This victory, however, was attended Aucher ; apud Syncell. p. 266, a. ) state that it was
with more important advantages than its immediate only seven months, which would place the expul-
fruits. The impetuous movements and daring sion of Pyrrhus at the end of B. C. 287, or the
valour of the Epeirot king reminded the veterans beginning of 286; but as other writers relate
in the Macedonian army of the great Alexander, (Plut. Pyrr. 12; Paus. i. 10. § 2) that this hap-
and thus paved for Pyrrhus his accession to the pened after the defeat of Demetrius in Syria, which
Macedonian throne. Demetrius meantime had did not take place till the middle of 286, the reign
found no one to resist him in Epeirus, and during of Pyrrhus in Macedonia was probably somewhat
his expedition into this country he also obtained longer. (Comp. Niebuhr, Hist. of Rome, vol. iii.
possession of Corcyra. After the death of Antigone, note 813. )
Pyrrhus, in accordance with the custom of the For the next few years Pyrrhus appears to have
monarchs of his age, had married three wives, in reigned quietly in Epeirus without embarking in
order to strengthen his power by a close connection any new enterprize. "But a life of inactivity was
with foreign princes of these wives one was a insupportable to him, and he pined for fresh scenes
Paeonian princess, another an Illyrian, and a third of action in which he might gain glory and ac-
Lanassa, the daughter of Agathocles of Syracuse, 1 quire dominion. At lengtă, in B. c. 281, the long
!
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## p. 612 (#628) ############################################
612
PYRRHUS.
PYRRHUS.
wished for opportunity presented itself. The Ta. I own business and retire to Epeirus. Fearing to
rentines, against whom the Romans had declared remain inactive any longer, although he was not yet
war, sent an embassy to Pyrrhus in the summer joined by his allies, Pyrrhus marched out against
of this year, begging him in the name of all the the Romans with his own troops and the Taren-
Italian Greeks to cross over to Italy in order to tines. He took up his position between the towns
conduct the war against the Romans. They told of Pandosia and Heracleia, on the left or northern
him that they only wanted a general, and that bank of the river Siris. The Romans were en-
they would supply him with an army of 350,000 camped on the southern bank of the river, and they
foot, and 20,000 horse, as all the nations of south- were the first to begin the battle. They crossed
ern Italy would flock to his standard. This was the river and were immediately attacked by the
tco tempting an offer to be resisted. It realized one cavalry of Pyrrhus, who led them to the charge in
of the earliest dreams of his ambition. The con person, and distinguished himself as usual by the
quest of Roine would naturally lead to the bove- most daring acts of valour. The Romans, how-
reignty of Sicily and Africa ; and he would then ever, bravely sustained the attack; and Pyrrhus,
be able to return to Greece with the united forces finding that his cavalry could not decide the day,
of Italy, Sicily, and Carthage, to overcome his ordered his infantry to advance. The battle was
rivals in Greece, and reign as master of the world. still contested most furiously ; seven times did
He therefore eagerly promised the Tarentines to both armies advance and retreat ; and it was not
come to their assistance, notwithstanding the re till Pyrrhus brought forward his elephants, which
monstrances of his wise and faithful counsellor bore down every thing before them, that the Ro-
Cineas ; but as he would not trust the success of his mans took to flight. The Thessalian cavalry com-
enterprize to the valour and fidelity of Italian troops, pleted the rout. The Romans fied in the utmost
he began to make preparations to carry over a confusion across the river Siris, leaving their camp
powerful army with him. These preparations occu- to the conqueror. The battle had lasted all day,
pied him during the remainder of this year and the and it was probably the fall of night alone which
beginning of the next. The Greek princes did saved the Roman army from complete destruction.
every thing to favour his views, as they were glad Those who escaped took refuge in an Apulian town,
to get rid of so powerful and dangerous a neighbour. which Niebuhr conjectures to have been Venusia
Antigonus supplied him with ships, Antiochus with The number of the slain in either army is differently
money, and Ptolemy Ceraunus with troops. He stated ; but the loss of Pyrrhus, though inferior to
left as guardian of his kingdom his son Ptolemy that of the Romans, was still very considerable,
by his first wife Antigone, who was then only a and a large proportion of his officers and best troops
youth of fifteen years of age. (Justin. xvii. 2, had fallen. He is reported to have said, as he
xviii. 1. )
viewed the field of battle, “ Another such vic-
Pyrrhus crossed over to Italy early in B. c. 280, tory, and I must return to Epeirus alone. " He
in the thirty-eighth year of his age. He took with acted with generosity after the battle, burying
him 20,000 foot, 3000 horse, 2000 archers, 500 the dead bodies of the Romans like those of his
slingers, and either 50 or 20 elephants, having own troops, and treating his prisoners with kind-
previously sent Milo, one of his generals, with a
detachment of 3000 men. (Plut. Pyrrh. 15; This victory was followed by important results.
Justin. xvii. 2. ) Such was his impatience to ar- The allies of Pyrrhus, who had hitherto kept aloof,
rive at Tarentum in time to enter upon military joined him now; and even many of the subjects of
operations early in the spring, that he set sail be- Rome espoused his cause. But Pyrrhus bad
fore the stormy season of the year had passed ; and bought his victory dearly, and must have learnt
he had scarcely put out to sea before a violent by the experience of the late battle the difficulty he
tempest arose, which dispersed his fleet. He him- would have to encounter in conquering Rome. He
self hardly escaped with his life, and arrived at therefore sent his minister Cineas to Rome with
Tarentum with only a small part of his army, proposals of peace, while he himself collected the
After a time the scattered ships gradually made forces of the allies and marched slowly towards
their appearance ; and after collecting his troops, Central Italy. The terms which he offered were
he began to make preparations to carry on the those of a conqueror. He proposed that the Ro-
war with activity. The inhabitants of Taren- mans should recognise the independence of the
tum were a giddy and licentious people, unac- Greeks in Italy, should restore to the Samnites,
customed to the toils of war, and unwilling to Lucanians, Apulians, and Bruttians, all the pos-
endure its hardships. They accordingly attempted sessions which they had lost in war, and should
to evade entering the ranks of the army, and be- make peace with himself and the Tarentines. As
gan to make complaints in the public assemblies soon as peace was concluded on these terms, he
respecting the demands of Pyrrhus and the conduct promised to return all the Roman prisoners with-
of his troops; but Pyrrhus forth with treated them out ransom. Cineas, whose persuasive eloquence
as their master rather than as their ally, shut up was said to have won more towns for Pyrrhus than
the theatre and all other public places, and com- his arms, neglected no means to secure the favour
pelled their young men to serve in his ranks. of the Romans for his master, and to induce them
Notwithstanding all the activity of Pyrrhus the to accept the peace. The prospects of the republic
Romans were the first in the field.
with the Magians and the Indian gymnosophists. that Pyrrhon regarded the great Athenians as his
That his sceptical theories originated in his inter- pattern. The statement that the Athenians con-
course with them was asserted by Ascanius of ferred upon Pyrrhon the rights of citizenship sounds
Abdera (a writer with whom we are otherwise un- suspicious on account of the reason which is ap-
acquainted), probably without any reason (Diog. pended, for according to the unanimous testimony
Laërt. ix. 61). It is more likely that he derived of the ancients, Python, the disciple of Plato, had
from them his endeavours after ini perturbable equa- slain the Thracian Cotus (Diog. Inërt. ix. 65, ib.
nimity, and entire independence of all external Menage) ; it probably rests upon some gloss.
circumstances, and the resistance of that mobility No books written by Pyrrhon are quoted (comp.
which is said to have been natural to him (ib. 62, Aristocl. 1. c. p. 763, c. ), except a poem addressed
63, comp. 66, 68 ; Timon, ibid. c. 65). It is mani- to Alexander, which was rewarded by the latter in
fest, however, that his biographer Antigonus had so royal a manner (Sext. Emp. adv. Math. i. 282 ;
already invented fables about him. (Diog. Laërt. Pluto de Alex. Fortuna, i. 10), that the statements
1. c. ; Aristocl. ap. Euseb. p. 763 ; Plut. de Prof. respecting the poverty of the philosopher's mode of
in Virt. c. 9. ) A balf insane man, such as he de life are not easily reconcilable with it. We have
picts him, the Eleans assuredly would never have no mention of the year either of the birth or of the
chosen as high priest (Diog. Laërt. ix. 64; comp. death of Pyrrhon, but only that he reached the age
llesych. Miles. p. 50, ed. Orell. ); and Aeneside of 90 years (Diog. Laërt. ix. 62); nor do we learn
mus, to confute such stories, had already maintained how old he was when he took part in Alexander's
that Pyrrhon had indeed in philosophising refrained expedition. But Arcesilas, who in his turn was late
from decision, but that in action he by no means enough to be quoted by Timon, is said to have
blindly abandoned himself to be the sport of cir- been one of his associates (winnkads núppwvi.
cumstances. (Diog. Laërt. ix. 64. ) The young Numen. in Euseb. Praep. Evang. xii. 6). Among
Nausiphanes (probably a later contemporary of the disciples of Pyrrhon, besides those already men-
Epicurus) Pyrrhon won over, not indeed to his tioned, were also Eurylochus, Phiro the Athenian,
doctrine, but to his disposition (Olágeois), to which and Hecataeus of Abdera. (Diog. Laërt. ix. 68,
Epicurus also could not refuse a lively recognition. 69 ; comp. Lucian, Vib. Auct. 27. ) The Eleans
(Diog. Laërt. ix. 64. ) Pyrrhon's disciple Timon, honoured the memory of their philosophical coun.
who, in his Pythor, had detailed long conversations tryman even after his death. Pausanins saw his
which he had with Pyrrhon (Aristocl. 1. c. p. 761 ; likeness (a bust or statue) in a stoa by the agora of
comp. Diog. Laërt. ix. 67), extolled with admira- Elis, and a monument dedicated to him outside the
tion his divine repose of soul, his independence of city (vi. 24, $ 5).
(Ch. A. B. ]
all the shackles of external relations, and of all de PYRRHON, artists. Besides the celebrated
ception and sophistical obscurity. He compared philosopher of Elis, who was also distinguished as a
him to the imperturbable sun-god, who hangs aloft painter, there was an Ephesian sculptor, the son of
over the earth" (ib. 65, comp. 67 ; Sext. Emp. adv. Hecatoleos, whose name occurs on an inscription
Math. i. 305; Aristocl. ap. Euseb. l. c. p. 761, as the maker of a statue of honour, of the Roman
&c. ). What progress he had made in laying a age. (Böckh, Corp. Inscr. , No. 2987 ; R. Rochette,
scientific foundation for his scepsis cannot be de- Lettre à M. Schorn, p. 395, 2d edit. ) [P. S. ]
termined with accuracy, but it is probable that PYRRHUS, mythological. (NEOPTOLEMUS. ]
Timon, who, as it appears, was more a poet than a PYRRHUS, artists. 1. An architect, of un-
philosopher (TIMON), was indebted to him for the known age, who, with his sons Lacrates and Her-
essential features of the reasons for doubt which mon, built the treasury of the Epidamnians at
were developed by him. Just as later sceptice saw Olympia. (Paus. vi. 19. § 5. 8. 8. ).
the beginnings of their doctrines in the expressions 2. A statuary, who is mentioned in the list of
of the poets and most ancient philosophers on the Pliny as the maker of bronze statues of Hygia
insufficiency of human knowledge and the uncer- and Minerva. (H. N. xxxiv. 8. 8. 19. $ 20. ) Pliny
tainty of life, so Pyrrhon also interpreted lines of tells us nothing more of the artist ; but, in the
his favourite poet Homer in the sceptical sense. year 1840, a base was found in the Acropolis at
(Diog. Laërt, ix. 67 ; comp. Sext. Emp. adv. Math Athens, bearing the following inscription –
i. 272, 281. ) That dogmatic convictions lay at the
AOENAIOITEIA O ENA IAITEITSIEIAI
foundation of the scepticism of Pyrrhon, was main-
ΠΥΡΡΟΣΕΠΟΙΗΣΕΝΑΘΕΝΑΙΟΣ,
tained only by Numenius. (Diog. Laërt. ix. 68. )
Still more groundless, without doubt, is the state and near it were the remains of another base. It
ment of the Abderite Ascanius, that Pyrrhon can scarcely be doubted that these bases belonged
would recognise neither Beautiful nor Ugly, Right to the statues of Hygieia, the daughter of Ascle-
nor Wrong, and maintained that as nothing is ac- pius, and of Athena surnamed Hygieia, which
cording to truth, so the actions of men are deter- Pausanias mentions (i. 24. § 4. s. 5) as among the
mined only by law and custom. (Diog. Laërt. ix. most remarkable works of art in the Acropolis, and
61; comp. Aristocl. ap. Euseb. I. c. p. 761. ) That, as standing in the very place where these bases
on the contrary, he left the validity of moral re- were found ; and further, that the statues are the
quirements unassailed, and directed his endeavours same as those referred to by Pliny ; and that his
to the production of a moral state of disposition, is Pyrrhus is the same as Pyrrhus the Athenian, who
attested not only by individual, well-authenticated is mentioned in the above inscription as the maker
traits of character (Diog. Laërt. ix. 66, aſter Era- 1 of the statue of Athena Hygieia, which was de
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PYRRHUS.
PYRRHUS.
:
dicated by the Athenians. The letters of the in- still only seventeen years of age, joined Demetrius,
scription evidently belong to about the period of who had married his sister Deïdameia, accompanied
the Peloponnesian war. (Ross, in the Kunstblatt, i him to Asia, and was present at the battle of Ipsus,
1840, No. 37 ; Schöll, Archäol. Mittheil, aus B. C. 301, in which he gained great renown for his
Griechenland, p. 126 ; R. Rochette, Lettre à M. valour. Though so young, he bore down for a
Schorn, pp. 396, 397, 2d ed. ) Raoul-Rochette time every thing before him with that impetuous
makes the very ingenious suggestion that the courage, which always distinguished him in his
statue of Athena Hygieia by Pyrrhus should be subsequent engagements.
But his efforts could not
identified with that statue which was dedicated by restore the day, and he was obliged to fly from the
Pericles to the goddess in gratitude for the recovery field. Antigonus fell in the battle, and Demetrius
of his favourite Mnesicles from the injuries re became a fugitive ; but Pyrrhus did not desert his
ceived by a fall during the building of the Pro- brother-in-law in his misfortunes, and shortly after-
pylaea. (MNESICLES. ] Be this as it may, it is wards went for him as a hostage into Egypt, when
clear that Pyrrhus was an eminent artist of the Demetrius concluded a peace with Ptolemy. Here
Athenian school at the middle of the fifth cen- Pyrrhus was fortunate enough to win the favour of
tury, B. C.
Berenice, the wife of Ptolemy, and received in
3. Agathobulus F. L. Pyrrhus, a Greek freed marriage Antigone, her daughter by her first hus
man of the Roman era, whose name occurs in an band. Ptolemy now supplied him with a fleet
inscription found at Pesaro, as Figulus Sigillator, and men, and he was thus once more able to return
that is, a maker of the small terra-cotta images to Epeirus. Neoptolemus, probably the son of
called sigilla. (Orelli, Inscr. Lat. Select. No. 4191; Alexander who died in Italy, had reigned from the
R. Rochette, Lettre à M. Schorn, pp. 397, 398, 2d time that Pyrrhus had been driven from the king-
ed. )
[P. S. ] dom ; but as he had made himself unpopular by
PYRRHUS (Túpsos), king of Epeirus, born his harsh and tyrannical rule, Pyrrhus found many
about the year B. C. 318, was the son of Aeacides partisans. The two rivals consented to a compromise
and Phthia, the daughter of Menon of Pharsalus, a and agreed to share the sovereignty between them.
distinguished leader in the struggle between Mace But such an arrangement could not last long; and
donia and Greece after the death of Alexander, Pyrrhus anticipated his own destruction by putting
usually called the Lamian war. The ancestors of his rival to death. This appears to have happened
Pyrrhus claimed descent from Pyrrhus, the son of in B. c. 295, in which year Pyrrhus is said to have
Achilles, who was said to have settled in Epeirus begun to reign (Vell. Pat. i. 14. & 6); and as Cas.
after the Trojan war, and to have become the sander did not die till the end of B. C. 297, the
founder of the race of Molossian kings. His father joint sovereignty of Pyrrhus and Neoptolemus
had succeeded to the throne on the death of his could have lasted only a short time, as it is impro-
cousin Alexander, who was slain in Italy in B. C. bable that Pyrrhus ventured to return to his native
326. Alexander was the brother of Olympias, country during the life-time of his great enemy
the wife of Philip and the mother of Alexander the Cassander.
Great ; and it was this connection with the royal Pyrrhus was twenty-three years of age when he
family of Macedonia, which brought misfortune was firmly established on the throne of Epeirus
upon the early years of Pyrrhus. His father (B. C. 295), and he soon became one of the most
Aeacides had taken part with his relative Olympias, popular princes of his age. His daring courage
and had marched into Macedonia to support her made him a favourite with his troops, and his affa-
against Cassander ; but when the latter proved bility and generosity secured the love of his people.
victorious, and Aeacides and Olympias were obliged His character resembled in many respects that of
to take to flight, the Epeirots, who disliked their his great kinsman, the conqueror of Persia ; and
king and were unwilling to be any longer involved he seems at an early age to have made Alexander
in war with Cassander, met in a general assembly, his model, and to have been fired with the ambition
and deprived Aeacides of the throne. Aeacides of imitating his exploits and treading in his footsteps.
himself was out of the way ; but many of his His eyes were first directed to the conquest of Ma-
friends were put to death, and Pyrrhus, who was cedonia. Master of that country, he might hope to
then a child of only two years old, was with diffi- obtain the sovereignty of Greece ; and with the
culty saved from destruction by the faithful ad- whole of Greece under his sway, there was a bound-
herents of the king. They escape:] with the child less prospect for his ambition, terminating on the
to Glaucias, the king of the Taulantians, an Illyrian one side with the conquest of Italy, Sicily, and
people, who afforded him protection, and nobly Carthage, and on the other with the dominions of
refused to surrender him to Cassander. Aeacides the Greek monarchs in the East. The unsettled
died soon afterwards in battle, and Pyrrhus was state of Macedonia after the death of Cassander.
brought up by Glaucias along with his own children. soon placed the first object of his ambition within
About ten years afterwards, when Demetrius had his grasp. Antipater and Alexander, the sons of
shaken the power of Cassander in Greece, Glaucias Cassander, quarrelled for the inheritance of their
restored Pyrrhus to the throne ; but as he was then father ; and Alexander, unable to maintain his
only twelve years old, the kingdom was governed ground, applied to Pyrrhus for assistance. This
by guardians. But Pyrrhus did not long remain was granted on condition of Alexander's ceding to
in possession of his hereditary dominions. Deme Pyrrhus the whole of the Macedonian dominions
trius was obliged to abandon Greece, in order to on the western side of Greece. These were Acar-
cross over to Asia to the assistance of his father, nania, Amphilochia, and Ambracia, and likewise
Antigonus, who was menaced by the united forces the districts of Tymphaea and Parauaea, which
of Cassander, Ptolemy, Seleucus, and Lysimachus; formed part of Macedonia itself. (Plut. Pyrrh. 6,
and as Cassander had now regained his supremacy with the emendation of Niebuhr, Hist. of Rome,
in Greece, he prevailed upon the Epeirots to expel vol. iii. note 311, Napavalay instead of Olapaxlav. )
their young king a second time. Pyrrhus, who was | Pyrrhus fulfilled his engagements to Alexander
## p. 611 (#627) ############################################
PYRRHUS.
611
PYRRHUS.
and drovė his brother Antipater out of Macedonia, / who brought him the island of Corcym ns a dowry
B. C. 294, though it appears that the latter was But Lanassa, offended with the attention which
subsequently allowed to retain a small portion of Pyrrhus paid to his barbarian wives, had with-
the country. (Thirlwall's Greece, vol. viii. p. 16. ) drawn to her principality of Corcyra, which she
• Pyrrhus had greatly increased his power by the now bestowed upon Demetrius together with her
large accession of territory which he had thus hand. Pyrrhus accordingly returned to Epeirus
gained, and he still further strengthened himself by more incensed than ever against Demetrius The
forming an alliance with the Aetolians ; but the latter had previously withdrawn into Macedonia.
rest of Macedonia unexpectedly fell into the hands At the beginning of the following year, B. C. 288,
of a powerful neighbour. Alexander had applied Pyrrhus took advantage of a dangerous illness of
to Demetrius for assistance at the same time as he Demetrius to invade Macedonia. He advanced as
sent to Pyrrhus for the same purpose ; but as the far as Edessa without meeting with any opposition ;
latter was the nearest at hand, he had restored but when Demetrius was able to put himself at
Alexander to his kingdom before Demetrius could the head of his troops, ho drove his rival out of the
arrive at the scene of action. Demetrius, however, country without difficulty. But as he had now
was unwilling to lose such an opportunity of ag- formed the vast design of recovering the whole of
grandizement ; he' accordingly left Athens, and his father's dominions in Asia, he hastened to con-
reached Macedonia towards the end of the year clude a peace with Pyrrhus, in order to continuo
B. C. 294. He had not been there many days be his preparations undisturbed. His old enemies,
fore he put Alexander to death, and thus became Seleucus, Ptolemy, and Lysimachus, once more
king of Macedonia. Between two such powerful entered into a league against him, and resolved to
neighbours and such restless spirits, as Demetrius crush him in Europe before he had time to cross
and Pyrrhus, jealousies and contentions were sure over into Asia. They easily persuaded Pyrrhus to
to arise. Each was anxious for the dominions of break his recent treaty with Demetrius, and join
the other, and the two former friends soon became the coalition against him. Accordingly, in the
the most deadly enemies. Deïdameia, who might spring of B. C. 287, while Ptolemy appeared with a
have acted as a mediator between her husband and powerful fleet off the coasts of Greece, Lysimachus
her brother, was now dead. The jealousies between invaded the upper and Pyrrhus the lower provinces
the two rivals at length broke out into open war of Macedonia at the same time. Demetriun first
in B. C. 291. It was during this year that Thebes marched against Lysimachus, but alarmed at the
revolted a second time against Demetrius, probably growing disaffection of his troops, and fearing that
at the instigation of Pyrrhus; and while the Ma- they might go over to Lysimachus, who had been
cedonian monarch proceeded in person to chastise one of the veteran generals and companions of Alex-
the rebellious inhabitants, Pyrrhus effected a diver- ander, he suddenly retraced his steps and proceeded
sion in their favour by invading Thessaly, but was against Pyrrhus, who had already advanced as far
compelled to retire into Epeirus before the superior as Beroea and had taken up his quarters in that city.
forces of Demetrius. In B. C. 290 Thebes surren- But Pyrrhus proved a rival as formidable as Lysi-
dered, and Demetrius was thus at liberty to take machus. The kindness with which he had treated
vengeance on Pyrrhus and his Aetolian allies. Ac- his prisoners, and his condescension and affability
cordingly, he invaded Aetolia in the spring of B. C. to the inhabitants of Beroea, had won all hearts;
289, and after overrunning and ravaging the country and accordingly, when Demetrius drew near, his
almost without opposition, he marched into Epeirus, troops deserted him in a body and transferred
leaving Pantauchus with a strong body of his troops their allegiance to Pyrrhus. Demetrius was obliged
to keep the Aetolians in subjection. Pyrrhus ad- to fly in disguise, and leave the kingdom to his
vanced to meet him ; but as the two armies took dif- rival. Pyrrhus, however, was unable to obtain
ferent roads, Demetrius entered Epeirus and Pyrrhus possession of the whole of Macedonia: Lysima-
Aetolia almost at the same time. Pantauchus im- chus claimed his share of the spoil, and the king-
mediately offered him battle, in the midst of which dom was divided between them. But Pyrrhus
he challenged the king to single combat. This was did not long retain his portion ; the Macedonians
immediately accepted by the youthful monarch ; preferred the rule of their old general Lysimachus ;
and in the conflict which ensued, Pyrrhus bore his and Pyrrhus was accordingly driven out of his
enemy to the ground, and would have killed him newly acquired kingdom ; thus leaving Lysimachus
on the spot, had he not been rescued by his friends. master of the entire country. It is doubtful
The Macedonians, dismayed by the fall of their how long Pyrrhus reigned in Macedonia. Dexip-
leader, took to flight and left Pyrrhus master of pus and Porphyry (apud Euseb. Arm. p. 329, ed.
the field. This victory, however, was attended Aucher ; apud Syncell. p. 266, a. ) state that it was
with more important advantages than its immediate only seven months, which would place the expul-
fruits. The impetuous movements and daring sion of Pyrrhus at the end of B. C. 287, or the
valour of the Epeirot king reminded the veterans beginning of 286; but as other writers relate
in the Macedonian army of the great Alexander, (Plut. Pyrr. 12; Paus. i. 10. § 2) that this hap-
and thus paved for Pyrrhus his accession to the pened after the defeat of Demetrius in Syria, which
Macedonian throne. Demetrius meantime had did not take place till the middle of 286, the reign
found no one to resist him in Epeirus, and during of Pyrrhus in Macedonia was probably somewhat
his expedition into this country he also obtained longer. (Comp. Niebuhr, Hist. of Rome, vol. iii.
possession of Corcyra. After the death of Antigone, note 813. )
Pyrrhus, in accordance with the custom of the For the next few years Pyrrhus appears to have
monarchs of his age, had married three wives, in reigned quietly in Epeirus without embarking in
order to strengthen his power by a close connection any new enterprize. "But a life of inactivity was
with foreign princes of these wives one was a insupportable to him, and he pined for fresh scenes
Paeonian princess, another an Illyrian, and a third of action in which he might gain glory and ac-
Lanassa, the daughter of Agathocles of Syracuse, 1 quire dominion. At lengtă, in B. c. 281, the long
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612
PYRRHUS.
PYRRHUS.
wished for opportunity presented itself. The Ta. I own business and retire to Epeirus. Fearing to
rentines, against whom the Romans had declared remain inactive any longer, although he was not yet
war, sent an embassy to Pyrrhus in the summer joined by his allies, Pyrrhus marched out against
of this year, begging him in the name of all the the Romans with his own troops and the Taren-
Italian Greeks to cross over to Italy in order to tines. He took up his position between the towns
conduct the war against the Romans. They told of Pandosia and Heracleia, on the left or northern
him that they only wanted a general, and that bank of the river Siris. The Romans were en-
they would supply him with an army of 350,000 camped on the southern bank of the river, and they
foot, and 20,000 horse, as all the nations of south- were the first to begin the battle. They crossed
ern Italy would flock to his standard. This was the river and were immediately attacked by the
tco tempting an offer to be resisted. It realized one cavalry of Pyrrhus, who led them to the charge in
of the earliest dreams of his ambition. The con person, and distinguished himself as usual by the
quest of Roine would naturally lead to the bove- most daring acts of valour. The Romans, how-
reignty of Sicily and Africa ; and he would then ever, bravely sustained the attack; and Pyrrhus,
be able to return to Greece with the united forces finding that his cavalry could not decide the day,
of Italy, Sicily, and Carthage, to overcome his ordered his infantry to advance. The battle was
rivals in Greece, and reign as master of the world. still contested most furiously ; seven times did
He therefore eagerly promised the Tarentines to both armies advance and retreat ; and it was not
come to their assistance, notwithstanding the re till Pyrrhus brought forward his elephants, which
monstrances of his wise and faithful counsellor bore down every thing before them, that the Ro-
Cineas ; but as he would not trust the success of his mans took to flight. The Thessalian cavalry com-
enterprize to the valour and fidelity of Italian troops, pleted the rout. The Romans fied in the utmost
he began to make preparations to carry over a confusion across the river Siris, leaving their camp
powerful army with him. These preparations occu- to the conqueror. The battle had lasted all day,
pied him during the remainder of this year and the and it was probably the fall of night alone which
beginning of the next. The Greek princes did saved the Roman army from complete destruction.
every thing to favour his views, as they were glad Those who escaped took refuge in an Apulian town,
to get rid of so powerful and dangerous a neighbour. which Niebuhr conjectures to have been Venusia
Antigonus supplied him with ships, Antiochus with The number of the slain in either army is differently
money, and Ptolemy Ceraunus with troops. He stated ; but the loss of Pyrrhus, though inferior to
left as guardian of his kingdom his son Ptolemy that of the Romans, was still very considerable,
by his first wife Antigone, who was then only a and a large proportion of his officers and best troops
youth of fifteen years of age. (Justin. xvii. 2, had fallen. He is reported to have said, as he
xviii. 1. )
viewed the field of battle, “ Another such vic-
Pyrrhus crossed over to Italy early in B. c. 280, tory, and I must return to Epeirus alone. " He
in the thirty-eighth year of his age. He took with acted with generosity after the battle, burying
him 20,000 foot, 3000 horse, 2000 archers, 500 the dead bodies of the Romans like those of his
slingers, and either 50 or 20 elephants, having own troops, and treating his prisoners with kind-
previously sent Milo, one of his generals, with a
detachment of 3000 men. (Plut. Pyrrh. 15; This victory was followed by important results.
Justin. xvii. 2. ) Such was his impatience to ar- The allies of Pyrrhus, who had hitherto kept aloof,
rive at Tarentum in time to enter upon military joined him now; and even many of the subjects of
operations early in the spring, that he set sail be- Rome espoused his cause. But Pyrrhus bad
fore the stormy season of the year had passed ; and bought his victory dearly, and must have learnt
he had scarcely put out to sea before a violent by the experience of the late battle the difficulty he
tempest arose, which dispersed his fleet. He him- would have to encounter in conquering Rome. He
self hardly escaped with his life, and arrived at therefore sent his minister Cineas to Rome with
Tarentum with only a small part of his army, proposals of peace, while he himself collected the
After a time the scattered ships gradually made forces of the allies and marched slowly towards
their appearance ; and after collecting his troops, Central Italy. The terms which he offered were
he began to make preparations to carry on the those of a conqueror. He proposed that the Ro-
war with activity. The inhabitants of Taren- mans should recognise the independence of the
tum were a giddy and licentious people, unac- Greeks in Italy, should restore to the Samnites,
customed to the toils of war, and unwilling to Lucanians, Apulians, and Bruttians, all the pos-
endure its hardships. They accordingly attempted sessions which they had lost in war, and should
to evade entering the ranks of the army, and be- make peace with himself and the Tarentines. As
gan to make complaints in the public assemblies soon as peace was concluded on these terms, he
respecting the demands of Pyrrhus and the conduct promised to return all the Roman prisoners with-
of his troops; but Pyrrhus forth with treated them out ransom. Cineas, whose persuasive eloquence
as their master rather than as their ally, shut up was said to have won more towns for Pyrrhus than
the theatre and all other public places, and com- his arms, neglected no means to secure the favour
pelled their young men to serve in his ranks. of the Romans for his master, and to induce them
Notwithstanding all the activity of Pyrrhus the to accept the peace. The prospects of the republic
Romans were the first in the field.
