Regulus, Marcus Atilius

Roman general and consul 267 and 256 BC. He defeated the Carthaginian fleet, invaded Africa, and defeated the Carthaginian army 256 BC. He was then defeated and captured by the Carthaginians 255 BC, where he remained as prisoner for five years. Sent as a peace envoy to Rome, he successfully persuaded the Senate to reject the Carthaginians' proposals and, according to legend, elected to return to Carthage and was tortured to death.

His patriotism is recorded in a famous poem by Horace (Odes III.5).