Marcus Atilius Regulus (consul 267 BC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcus Atilius Regulus
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A 1791 painting by Andries Cornelis Lens showing the story of Regulus going back to Carthage. This painting is now in the Hermitage Museum.
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| Nationality | Roman |
| Occupation | Politician and soldier |
| Office | Consul (267, 256 BC) |
| Spouse(s) | Marcia |
| Children | Marcus Atilius Regulus |
| Relatives | Gaius Atilius Regulus (consul 257 BC) (brother) |
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Marcus Atilius Regulus was an important Roman leader and general. He lived around 267 to 255 BC. He was chosen as a consul (a top Roman official) twice. This was in 267 BC and 256 BC. Much of his time was spent fighting against the people of Carthage. This was during the First Punic War.
In 256 BC, Regulus and another Roman leader, Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus, won a huge sea battle. This battle happened near Cape Ecnomus. After this victory, Regulus led a Roman army to Africa. But his army was defeated in the Battle of the Bagradas River in 255 BC. He was captured by the Carthaginians. He likely died while he was a prisoner.
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Regulus's Life and Battles
Marcus Atilius Regulus first became a consul in 267 BC. He fought alongside his co-consul, Lucius Julius Libo. They fought against a group called the Sallentini. They captured the city of Brundisium. After this, they celebrated a special victory parade called a "triumph."
During the First Punic War, Regulus was chosen as consul again in 256 BC. This happened because the previous consul had died. With his fellow consul, Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus, he fought a large Carthaginian fleet. This big sea battle happened off the coast of Sicily. It was called the Battle of Cape Ecnomus. The Romans won this battle.
After their victory, the two consuls invaded North Africa. They landed at a place called Aspis. This was on the eastern side of the Cape Bon peninsula.
Fighting in Africa
After a siege, the Roman army attacked the countryside. They captured about twenty thousand people. Manlius was called back to Rome. He celebrated a naval triumph for his victories at sea. Regulus stayed in Africa. He captured the city of Tunis. He then started talking with the Carthaginians about peace.
During this time, while crossing a river, his soldiers supposedly fought a giant snake! Later, the Carthaginians attacked the Romans near Adys. This was about 24 kilometers south of Carthage. The Carthaginians attacked on difficult, hilly ground. This led to the Battle of Adys, which the Romans won.
Regulus and his army spent the winter in Tunis. He continued to talk with the Carthaginians. But he offered very tough peace terms. The Carthaginians refused these terms. It's believed that Regulus wanted Carthage to leave Sicily completely. The Carthaginians did not want to give up the western part of the island. So, they said no to his demands.
The Final Battle
Regulus's command was extended into 255 BC. That spring, the Carthaginians got stronger. They had new soldiers, including Spartan fighters led by Xanthippus. They were also very angry about Regulus's harsh peace offers.
They fought Regulus at the Battle of the Bagradas River. This battle happened on a flat plain. This type of land was good for the Carthaginians. They could use their war elephants and cavalry (soldiers on horseback) easily. Regulus was defeated in this battle. He was captured by the Carthaginians. Only about two thousand Roman soldiers escaped. The Roman navy picked them up, but then a storm wrecked their ships. Regulus died while he was a prisoner. He likely died from not being cared for or from starvation.
The Legend of Regulus's Death
There is a famous story about Regulus's death. This legend says that the Carthaginians sent him back to Rome. They wanted him to negotiate a prisoner exchange or peace terms. But Regulus supposedly told the Romans not to agree to any exchange or peace. He believed it was better for Rome to keep fighting. Because of this, he returned to Carthage. The legend says he was then tortured to death.
However, this story is probably not true. It was likely made up later. Perhaps it was created to make up for something bad his son did. His son supposedly tortured two Carthaginian prisoners to get revenge for his father's death. The best historical source from that time, Polybius, does not mention this story at all.
The first time this tale appears is in writings from 129 BC. In that version, after Regulus purposely stops the peace talks, the Carthaginians starve him to death. Later, in the 5th century AD, a writer named Augustine of Hippo wrote about it. He said the Carthaginians "shut [Regulus] up in a narrow box." This box had sharp nails all around the inside. Regulus could not lean on any part of it without feeling great pain.
The myth of Regulus's capture and his brave defiance became a favorite story for Roman children. It was also popular with patriotic storytellers. Roman historians and speakers made the story more detailed and exciting over the years.
Regulus's Family
The Atilii Reguli was a family of common Roman citizens, not nobles. Marcus Atilius Regulus was the brother of Gaius Atilius Regulus. Gaius was also a consul in 257 BC and 250 BC. Marcus Atilius Regulus had a wife named Marcia. They had at least one son, who was also named Marcus. This son later became a consul in 227 BC and 217 BC. He was also chosen as a censor (another important Roman official) in 214 BC.
See also
- Cato the Elder
- Cincinnatus
- Horatii
- Publius Decius Mus
