Pyrrhic victory

The Pyrrhic victory is a metaphor for too dearly bought success. They came originally from the Kadmeischen victory.

In the original sense of the winner of the conflict is similarly weakened forth like a defeated man and can not build on the victory. The term goes back to King Pyrrhus I of Epirus ( 319/318-272 BC). This is after his victory over the Romans at the Battle of Asculum ( Southern Italy) in 279 BC have told a confidant: " Another such victory and we are lost! "

Examples of Pyrrhic victories

  • Battle of Asculum
  • Battle of Avarayr
  • Noche Triste
  • Battle of Ravenna ( 1512)
  • Battle of Lutzen
  • Battle of Bunker Hill
  • Battle of Taschkesen
  • Battle of Borodino
  • Battle of Camerone
  • Battle of Langensalza
  • Battle of Mogadishu
Cadmean victory Pyrrhus of Epirus Epirus (ancient state) Battle of Asculum (279 BC) Battle of Tashkessen Battle of Langensalza (1866) Zeno.org
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