What if: Pyrrhos accepts the Macedonians' offer for their throne?

[Ain]

Since I saw the Pyrrhos thread a few minutes, and read the article, I was wondering what would have happened if the Epeirote king would have decided to take Macedon instead of Sicily?

 

[Enigmajones]

Great two Pyrrhus threads, just what I need.

 

[Ain]

I am not trying to detract from your thread, I just wondered what the community thinks would have happened.

 

[Enigmajones]

I am not trying to detract from your thread, I just wondered what the community thinks would have happened.

I was kidding, and also in the end, I think Pyrrhus might have been able to stabilize Greece under Macedonian control, but he would have lost any chance to control the Western Mediterranean or maintain importance in Mediterranean Politics. I think it would have been a tremendous waste of Pyrrhus's tremendous talent. The again, a united Greece could have a major butterflies.

 

[Ain]

I was kidding, and also in the end, I think Pyrrhus might have been able to stabilize Greece under Macedonian control, but he would have lost any chance to control the Western Mediterranean or maintain importance in Mediterranean Politics. I think it would have been a tremendous waste of Pyrrhus's tremendous talent. The again, a united Greece could have a major butterflies.

A more united Greece would lead to headaches among the Romans, I'd imagine. It'd be even worse for the Romans if Pyrrhus then acted upon his old alliance among the Illyrians and added them to his kingdom. I think it would lead to quite an interesting rivalry.

 

[Enigmajones]

A more united Greece would lead to headaches among the Romans, I'd imagine. It'd be even worse for the Romans if Pyrrhus then acted upon his old alliance among the Illyrians and added them to his kingdom. I think it would lead to quite an interesting rivalry.

The problem is, much like with Alexander, a relative of Pyrrus, that I don't think such an empire would be lasting. A Kingdom under Pyrrus's control would probably only last as long as his life. Pyrrus would have to take down Rome and Carthage as soon as he can. With a huge army, he could possibly conquer Southern Italy and Sicily, that would give him a lasting nation.

 

[Ain]

There are a few key difference between him and Alexander. Pyrrhus had heirs unlike Alexander, he had plenty of alliances, and all those under him would be greek in culture, and thus no malignant influences like the Persians had on Alexander (I mean malignant as in leading to downfall). Heck, I could imagine a small hegemony eventually stretching from Rome and Sicily to Ionia, in the lifetime of Pyrrhus.

 

[Enigmajones]

There are a few key difference between him and Alexander. Pyrrhus had heirs unlike Alexander, he had plenty of alliances, and all those under him would be greek in culture, and thus no malignant influences like the Persians had on Alexander (I mean malignant as in leading to downfall). Heck, I could imagine a small hegemony eventually stretching from Rome and Sicily to Ionia, in the lifetime of Pyrrhus.

True, but I just find a Pyrrhic Empire, to be something that would have to take advantage of the times. I think a Greek Entry into the Punic Wars would be the best option for Pyrrus.

 

[Ain]

I agree. However, the role of Epeiros would likely be a third side, which allies with the weaker power, but slowly gains more and more land.

 

[Sarantapechaina]

By the way, he did take the Makedonian throne.

Twice. Once was a joint deal, once was a case of him driving Gonatas out.

Neither time did he have the ability to sit still and just rule Makedon + Epeiros.