"A Pyrrhic Victory: Volume III: Fate" by Ian Crouch

Ian Crouch is a doctor living in Adelaide, South Australia. He has always lived there, apart from one year spent working in England in the early days. His books are the result of a lifelong fascination with Greek and Roman history. He is the great good fortune to live with a wonderful woman in a country at peace.

You can learn more about Ian Crouch and his work at theshapingofdestiny.com.

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:

• About "A Pyrrhic Victory" and the inspiration behind the trilogy.
• Balancing historical accuracy with narrative storytelling
• Research!
• Pyrrus as a great historical figure.
• The meaning of "a Pyrrhic victory"
• The role of fate
• What's next for Ian Crouch?

A PYRRHIC VICTORY: VOLUME III: FATE

In 279 BC, Pyrrhus has just won the bloody battle of Asculum against the Romans in the battle that gave rise to the expression – “A Pyrrhic Victory” – one that comes at such a great cost that the victory may not have been worth the ordeal that was suffered.

While punished, the power of the legions has not been broken. The road to Rome is still barred to Pyrrhus. His peace terms are again rejected.

He must gather greater strength to break the deadlock, and accepts the invitation of the powerful Greek cities in Sicily to lead them against the invading Carthaginians. In return, they offer him their support in his war against Rome.

Pyrrhus was described by Hannibal as the finest commander the world had seen, after Alexander himself.