Directory

279 BCE

Scordisci Celts found a city called Singidon (Roman Singidunum) which is today the Serbian city of Belgrade. In renewed fighting, Pyrrhus of Epirus, leading the combined Tarantine, Oscan, Samnite, and Greek forces, wins a 'Pyrrhic victory' against the Romans led by consul Publius Decius Mus at the Battle of Asculum, called such because his victory comes at a great cost to his own forces. Pyrrhus is reported to have said afterwards, "One more victory against the Romans and we shall be utterly ruined!" Disheartened, Pyrrhus retires to Tarentum and sends Cineas to make renewed peace overtures to Rome. These talks are inconclusive. The Phocians are readmitted into the Amphictyonic League after they have joined in the defence of Delphi against the Gauls.

Conflict & Security

  • Pyrrhus realizes that he cannot capture Rome and suggests peace terms to the Romans. Pyrrhus sends his chief advisor, Cineas, to Rome to negotiate a peace. Cineas demands that the Romans halt their aggression against the Greeks of southern Italy and restore the lands the Romans have taken from the Bruttii, the Apulians, and the Samnites. The Romans reject his demands, largely at the instigation of the former Roman censor, Appius Claudius Caecus.source
  • General Bai Qi of the State of Qin attacks the State of Chu and captures the cities of Yan and Deng.source
  • The Carthaginians and the Romans agree to support each other against a common foe. The Carthaginians give Rome money and ships in their fight against Pyrrhus, the king of Epirus.source
  • In renewed fighting, Pyrrhus of Epirus, leading the combined Tarantine, Oscan, Samnite, and Greek forces, wins a 'Pyrrhic victory' against the Romans led by consul Publius Decius Mus at the Battle of Asculum, called such because his victory comes at a great cost to his own forces. Pyrrhus is reported to have said afterwards, "One more victory against the Romans and we shall be utterly ruined!" Disheartened, Pyrrhus retires to Tarentum and sends Cineas to make renewed peace overtures to Rome. These talks are inconclusive.source
  • General Lian Po of the State of Zhou defeats an army of the State of Qi.source
  • The Phocians are readmitted into the Amphictyonic League after they have joined in the defence of Delphi against the Gauls.source
  • The aggression of Ptolemy II of Egypt continues to cause friction with Antiochus as he takes Miletus in south-western Asia Minor from him.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Scordisci Celts found a city called Singidon (Roman Singidunum) which is today the Serbian city of Belgrade.source

Births

  • Chrysippus, Greek Stoic philosopher (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • With the death of Ptolemy Keraunos, the previous King of Macedonia, Antipater II becomes king again. However, his new reign lasts only a few months before he is killed by his cousin Sosthenes who becomes the new King of Macedonia.source
  • Brennus, leader of the army of Gauls who in 279 BC invaded Macedonia and northern Greecesource
  • Ptolemy Keraunos, king of Macedonia from 281 to 279 BCsource