Epulon

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Epulon (also known as Epulo, Epulone or Aepulo) was a Histrian ruler who warred with the Romans who attempted to conquer his land of Histria in present day Croatia. After initial success in defeating his enemies at Aquilea, Epulon was finally defeated in the siege of his capital Nesactium. Before attacking Nesactium the Romans captured other important Histrian centers in Istria. It is said that the Romans were at first unable to take Nesactium and did not made any success in their lengthy siege of the city. The success of their assault changed only when the Romans diverted a river which protected Nesactium and provided them with water. When he realised that the Romans had won, he committed suicide by stabbing himself to avoid Roman captivity.^[1] Today Epulo is regarded a hero who preferred death over captivity and was admired by his contemporaries^[2].