Cineas facts for kids
Cineas was a very smart and wise man from Thessaly, a region in ancient Greece. He was a trusted advisor to King Pyrrhus, a famous general. People said Cineas was as good at speaking as the great orator Demosthenes. King Pyrrhus valued Cineas highly. He even said that Cineas's words won him more cities than his own army!
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A Wise Advisor to King Pyrrhus
Cineas was known for his great wisdom. He was a student of Demosthenes, who was a master of public speaking. Cineas was also an Epicurean, which means he followed a philosophy that focused on finding happiness and peace. Pyrrhus often sent Cineas to different cities in Greece as an ambassador. An ambassador is someone who represents their country or leader in talks with other groups.
Cineas Tries to Stop a War
Before King Pyrrhus started a big war called the Pyrrhic War, Cineas tried to convince him not to fight. He asked Pyrrhus what he would do after winning against the Romans. Pyrrhus wanted to take over Italy, then Sicily, and even parts of Africa like Libya and Carthage.
Cineas kept asking, "What will you do when we have everything?" Pyrrhus replied, "We will relax, drink, and enjoy ourselves!" Cineas then pointed out, "We can do that now, without all the fighting and danger!" He meant that they already had peace and comfort without needing to shed blood.
Another writer, Cassius Dio, also said that Cineas saw how foolish Pyrrhus's plan was. He tried to tell the king to be happy with what he already had. But Pyrrhus loved war and leading armies too much. He didn't listen to Cineas. Because of this, Pyrrhus later left Sicily and Italy in shame, having lost many soldiers.
Cineas as an Ambassador to Rome
Pyrrhus went to war with Rome to help the Greek city of Tarentum in southern Italy. Before sailing there, Pyrrhus sent Cineas ahead with some soldiers. Cineas helped convince the people of Tarentum not to make peace with Rome.
After Pyrrhus won a battle called the Battle of Heraclea, he sent Cineas to Rome to talk with the Romans. Cineas offered to free the Roman prisoners. He also promised to help Rome control Italy. In return, he only asked for friendship and safety for Tarentum.
Many Roman senators thought about making peace. This was because more Italian groups were joining Pyrrhus's army.
Appius Claudius Caecus's Speech
However, an old and blind senator named Appius Claudius Caecus was brought to the senate house. He told everyone that Pyrrhus could not be trusted. He said that peace with Pyrrhus would not be good for Rome.
Appius Claudius Caecus demanded that Cineas be sent away from the city right away. He also said that Pyrrhus should be told to go back to his own country before making any offers. The Senate agreed and voted to send Cineas away that very day. They decided to keep fighting as long as Pyrrhus was in Italy.
Cineas later estimated that the Romans had twice as many soldiers as they did at the Battle of Heraclea. He also noted that many more Romans were still able to fight.
See also
In Spanish: Cineas para niños
