Revival of the Achaean League. The Achaei originally inhabited the neighborhood of Argos; when driven thence by the Heraclidae, they retired among the Ionians, expelled the natives, and seized their thirteen cities, forming the Achaean League.
279. Pyrrhus, who had tried to mediate between Tarentum and Rome, meeting with non-success, advances on Rome. He fails to make any impression and returns to Tarentum; the Romans follow him, and he gains an unimportant victory over them at Asculum. See ["FIRST BATTLE BETWEEN GREEKS AND ROMANS," ii, 166].
Irruption of Gauls into Macedonia; King Ptolemy Ceraunus offers battle to them, in which he is killed.[[91]]
[!-- Note Anchor 91 --][Footnote 91: The date usually given is B.C. 280.]
278. The Gauls under Brennus invade Greece; they are cut to pieces near Delphi.
Alliance formed between Rome and Carthage.
Pyrrhus wars against Carthage in Sicily.
277. A body of Gauls enter Northern Phrygia, of which they take possession.
Pyrrhus expels the Carthaginians from most of their possessions in Sicily.
276. Other Grecian cities join the Achaean League.