Pyrrhus was a Greek king of the Epirus region, known for his military prowess during the 3rd century BCE. He is most famous for his battles against the Romans in the Pyrrhic War, where he achieved 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. Born in 319 BCE, Pyrrhus was a member of the Aeacid dynasty and a descendant of the legendary hero Achilles. His reign was marked by his attempts to expand his territory and influence in the Mediterranean. Despite his initial successes, Pyrrhus eventually faced challenges that led to his decline, and he was killed in 272 BCE during a conflict in Argos.