Publius Decius Mus (consul 279 BC)

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Publius Decius Mus was a

Pyrrhus was victorious, but at such a high cost that the security of Asculum was guaranteed. This is the origin of the term "Pyrrhic victory". According to one tradition, Decius died in the field;^[1] according to another, he survived.

Both his father and grandfather had fallen in battle after performing the ritual of devotio before the troops, before rushing the enemy. According to one report, Mus was planning to do the same at Asculum.

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