Ptolemy (son of Pyrrhus)

Ptolemy (Greek Πτολεμαῖος; * 295/94 BC, † 272 BC against Sparta ) was the eldest son and heir of King Pyrrhus of Epirus and I. Antigone of the dynasty of Aiakiden.

Ptolemy was BC born a few years after the marriage of his parents at 295/94, as it is called 280 BC at the age of fifteen. It was named in honor of Ptolemy I of Egypt, the stepfather of his mother and supporters of his father. As Pyrrhus I. in the year 280 BC to war against Rome ( Pyrrhischer War) translated to Italy, he left Ptolemy back in the regency over Epirus, which occurred Ptolemy II of Egypt as a guarantor for his protection. As Pyrrhus 274 BC came home again, Ptolemy succeeded in taking the island of Kerkyra with only sixty men. After that, he was distinguished by daring act in a naval battle, and during the invasion of Macedonia he drove the enemy king Antigonus Gonatas of Thessaloniki.

In the year 272 BC Ptolemy accompanied his father on the campaign against Sparta. At 2000 Gauls and Chaoniern he stormed against the fortifications of the city, but could be break-through attempt thwarted by Akrotatos. When Antigonus was later located on the way to Sparta, Pyrrhus marched against this man go; However, his rear guard had to go fend off an attack of the Spartan king Areus I.. On behalf of his father Ptolemy should support together with the Hetairen the attacked, but fell in the battle to entspinnenden. Shortly thereafter, his father fell in battle in Argos.