Gaius Atilius Regulus (consul 225 BC)

Gaius Atilius Regulus was a Roman statesman and general who served as consul in 225 BC. He is primarily known for his role in the Roman response to the Gallic invasion of Italy that year.

Prior to his consulship, little is known of his early career. The year of his birth is unknown, as are the details of his ascent through the cursus honorum.

As consul in 225 BC, Regulus was tasked with defending Roman territory against a large-scale invasion by Gauls from across the Alps. This force, composed of Boii and Insubres tribes, had crossed into Etruria and was threatening Rome itself. Regulus commanded one of the Roman armies deployed to counter the Gallic threat.

The decisive battle of the campaign took place at Telamon. Regulus's army, initially outnumbered, was eventually reinforced by another Roman army led by Lucius Aemilius Papus, the other consul of that year. The Romans achieved a significant victory, inflicting heavy losses on the Gauls and killing one of their leaders, Concolitanus. While Papus is often credited with the major part of the victory, Regulus also played a crucial role. The surviving Gauls were driven back, effectively ending the immediate threat to Roman territory.

Following the victory at Telamon, Regulus remained in command of a portion of the Roman forces and campaigned in Gallic territory. The details of his subsequent career and eventual death are largely unknown. He is remembered primarily for his part in the victory at Telamon and the repulsion of the Gallic invasion of 225 BC, solidifying Rome's control over Italy.