Editing 279 BC (section)

==== Roman Republic ====
* The [[Carthage|Carthaginians]] and the [[Roman Republic|Romans]] agree to support each other against a common foe. The Carthaginians give Rome money and ships in their fight against [[Pyrrhus of Epirus|Pyrrhus]], the king of [[Epirus]].
* 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 [[Magna Graecia|Greeks]] of southern [[Italy]] and restore the lands the Romans have taken from the [[Bruttii]], the [[Apulia]]ns, and the [[Samnites]]. The Romans reject his demands, largely at the instigation of the former Roman censor, [[Appius Claudius Caecus]].
* In renewed fighting, Pyrrhus of Epirus, leading the combined [[Taranto|Tarantine]], [[Oscan]], Samnite, and [[Greece|Greek]] forces, wins a '[[Pyrrhic victory]]' against the Romans led by consul [[Publius Decius Mus (279 BC)|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 [[Taranto|Tarentum]] and sends Cineas to make renewed peace overtures to Rome. These talks are inconclusive.