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The third century before the common era was a time of empire-making and empire-breaking especially in the western Mediterranean, where a conflict was brewing that would shape the future of the known world. |
First Punic War (264-241BC)
(- threads, 26 posts)
 Marcus Atilius Regulus
Historical Thread
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" I know, to be sure, that manifest destruction awaits me, for it is impossible to keep the Punii from learning the advice I have given... but I have sworn to them to return and I will not transgress my oaths." Speech by Regulus, quoted by Zonaras
The story of Regulus is one of the most inspiring of Roman tales, but it is also one of the least probable. Susposedly, after his defeat at Tunis, Regulus was taken prisoner and sent back to Rome to argue in favour of peace on the condition that if he failed he would return to Carthage. Regulus persuaded the Senate to fight on, but true to his word, he returned to Carthage, where he was tortured to death. This is almost all Roman propaganda. Regulus did however exist. In 267BC, he was consul and captured the port of Brundisium from the Sabellians. As the First Punic War broke out, Rome needed experienced generals and in 256BC, Regulus was consul again. After a naval victory at Economus, he invaded Africa and captured the cities of Apsis and Tunis. He made peace overtures but they were rebuked due to the harsh terms Regulus gave. Carthage then hired a Spartan mercenary called Xanthippus to deal with Regulus. The Greek quickly incorporated more cavalry and elephants into the Punic army and heavily defeated the Romans at Tunis, taking Regulus prisoner. The Story in ancient sources ends here, with no mention of a return to Rome ot an heroic self-sacrifice, but Polybios suggests that Regulus died of natural causes in captivity.
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Ah, the good old days... (* Quintus Julius Caesar, Aug 7, 2005 - 21:03 )|
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