Pyrrhus of Epirus was a Greek king who ruled from 319 to 272 BC. He is best known for his military campaigns against Rome during the early stages of the Punic Wars. Pyrrhus was a skilled general and used innovative tactics, leading to notable victories at the battles of Heraclea and Asculum. Despite his successes, Pyrrhus suffered heavy losses, which led to the term "Pyrrhic victory," describing a win that comes at such a significant cost to the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat. His campaigns ultimately failed to secure lasting control over Italy.