Epirus

“Growth, Legacy, Command”

“Greece starts at Oricus and the most ancient part of Greece is Epirus.”

Eutropius, (Abridgement of Roman History) Historiae Romanae Breviarium

Epirus. Originally consisting of several tribal kingdoms, the region of Epirus lies west to the Pindus Mountains within ancient Greece. During the fourth century BCE the Kingdom of Epirus was established by the King of the Molossians. It was Olympias of Molossis who married Philip II of Macedon and birthed his heir and eventual successor, Alexander the Great. Coincidentally the King of Epirus, Neoptolemos, would also sired an heir named Alexander. When the lesser known Alexander Molossos attained the throne in 343 BCE he had ambitions to extend the lands controlled by the Kingdom of Epirus. In an unexpected similarity to Pyrrhus of Epirus, Alexander Molossos also assisted the Greek city of Tarentum against the aggression of hostile Italians. However, Alexander bore the ultimate cost of defeat, and unlike Pyrrhus, did not escape Italy alive to return back to his homeland.

Surrounded by ambitious and powerful tribes and states, the Kingdom of Epirus shall require a brave and resourceful ruler to fulfil their lofty ambitions. We have an ongoing war with the infamous City-State of Sparta to conclude before we can turn our attentions elsewhere. Whilst the nefarious Roman Republic will eventually have to be halted, if not outright conquered, should we desire retaining our sovereignty.

In Total War: Rome II, Epirus is a nation of great commanders and, as such, its generals and admirals enjoy a greater command aura in battle. As a nation centred more around village life than the city, Epirus also gains increased income from smaller settlements. However, their chequered past with the Greek states and colonies means they suffer major penalties to diplomatic relations with other Hellenic factions.

Historically, the Kingdom of Epirus continued to exist well in to the second century BCE. Though her star would never shine as bright as it once had whilst commanded by the great Pyrrhus of Epirus. Before allying with their fellows Greeks against the might of Rome let to their ultimate demise during the events of the Third Macedonian War. Later the region would be officially declared a Roman province and administrated by the Romans, until the eventual downfall of the Roman Empire.

Note: The Epirus faction is available to purchasers of the Greek States Culture Pack DLC for Total War: Rome II.