REGULUS

In the First Punic War, after victories in naval battles at Mylae and Ecnomus, the Romans decided to invade North Africa and attack the city of Carthage.  The army was led by Rome’s best general – Regulus.  Regulus defeated the Carthaginian army at Adys, but his peace terms were too harsh so the Carthaginians decided to fight on.  They brought in a Spartan general named Xanthippus.  He reorganized and trained the Carthaginian army.  He inspired them to victory over Regulus in the Battle of Tirnes.  Xanthippus used 100 war elephants in the battle and the Romans were literally and figuratively crushed.  Regulus was captured.  He was brought before the Carthaginian Senate and they decided to send him back to Rome with peace terms if he promised to return.  When Regulus arrived before the Roman Senate, he presented Carthage’s terms, but then he told the Senators not to accept them and continue the war.  He then returned to Carthage since he had given his word.  The Carthaginian’s were so infuriated by his action they tortured him to death.  The Romans went on to win the war.

                –  maroon 68