legends of Rome
One of the legends that was most often told in ancient Rome was that of Attilio Regolo, a historical and a very experienced character, whose history is, as often happens, a mixture of real and mythological events, often artfully created to enhance the Roman “virtus” and courage, in order to encourage the Roman people in any way.
Attilio lived in the second century BC, was a Roman consul and was made head of the Legions who then conquered Apulia and in general the whole of southern Italy. The historical period is crucial, because Rome was changing shape, from being the local Peninsular “Italian” emperor to becoming the hegemonic emperor in the Mediterranean. Then the Punic wars start against another maritime power, Carthage. Attilio was then elected consul a second time when he had already been fighting hard for 8 years against the Carthaginians, and had already conquered some cities in Sicily.
He then succeeded in conquering Tunis, a defensive stronghold of the Carthaginians, who were forced to yield unconditionally. This was a type of surrending was definitely not wanted. So they reorganised the military and took control of the city again, forcing the Romans to surrender and return to their homeland. Attilio was taken prisoner. And this is where the legend begins. It is believed that after some time in prison, Regolo was dispatched to Rome to convince Romans to make peace, however, if he had delivered a different message, his fate would have been scored.
Once in the Capital, Regolo began to explain how Carthage was having a very hard time and had economic and military difficulties as well. He therefore spurred on the Senate to continue fighting in the war and to make the most of the opportunity presented to it. Conscious of his waiting fate, and once he had got back to Carthage, he was tortured with dazzle (torture practice which you were exposed to the sun by without your eyelids or your eyes were placed near a hot bowl) and then he was thrown from a hill in a barrel covered with nails. His sacrifice in any case was not in vain, as Rome, convinced by his words and despite the contrary opinion of the people, continued the war, bringing it to an end finally with a victory, after some years had passed.
The legend of Regulus is a typical example of how Rome created its heroes to exalt the Roman virtues and the belonging to Rome.
Do you want to find out about other legends? The best way to take part in the city’s mythological history is to simply see these same places with your own eyes where the heroes’ exploits were performed.
If you want to stay in town, the wide choice of appartamento a Roma certainly will help you make a good decision. It doesn’t matter whether you want to stay right in the city centre or in the outskirts. The efficient transport network will take you smoothly from one part of the city to another in a flash. An appartamento Roma is the ideal solution for your accommodation needs, both combining the familiarity of home with the independence to make the most of your holiday.