King Pyrrhus was a Greek ruler of the Molossians in Epirus, known for his military prowess during the 3rd century BCE. He is best remembered for his campaigns against the Romans in the Pyrrhic War, where he achieved notable victories at the battles of Heraclea and Asculum. However, these victories came at a great cost, leading to the term "Pyrrhic victory," which describes a win that inflicts such a toll on the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat. Pyrrhus was also a descendant of the legendary hero Achilles, which added to his reputation as a formidable leader. His ambition extended beyond Italy, as he sought to expand his influence in the Mediterranean. Despite his initial successes, Pyrrhus eventually withdrew from Italy, recognizing the unsustainable nature of his campaigns against the Romans.