Quote Originally Posted by pcaravel View Post
I think that Pyrrhus involvement in the Greek affairs didn't change the course of history. He did won a few battles and captured and sacked Makedonia, but very quickly Antigonos Gonatas managed to recover. The main problem for Makedonia wasn't Pyrrhus and Epeiros, but the Aitolian and Achaean Leagues, as well as the desire of the Greek city-states to remain independent.
As far as the Romans are concerned, I really think that the war with Pyrrhus forged their iron determination and their famous denial to accept defeat. These virtues made them withstand the Hannibalic war and bounce back after so many crushing defeats.
Good point. IMO, it made Rome cast an eye eastword while consolidating its control over the west.