Regulus, Marcus Atilius, << REHG yuh luhs, MAHR kuhs uh TIHL ee uhs >> (?-249? B.C.), was a Roman general who became a national hero. His life story was repeated as an example of true patriotism. As consul (chief government official) in 256 B.C., he commanded the Roman invasion of Africa against Carthage in the First Punic War (see Punic Wars ). He was victorious and demanded harsh peace terms. But the Carthaginians raised more troops and hired Xanthippus, a Spartan general, who defeated the Romans and captured Regulus.
Carthage sent Regulus to Rome about 249 B.C. with its own peace terms. He promised to return if the Romans refused to make peace. Regulus urged the Roman Senate to reject the terms, though he knew this meant his death when he returned to Carthage. Romans later said he was killed by torture by the Carthaginians, but this story may have been made up by his family. Regulus, an aristocrat, was not rich. Before the war, he lived a simple life on his farm.
