There are a number of examples of Roman fleets being commanded by consuls, who were the Roman equivalent of the earlier Etruscan kings.

• During the first Punic War, the consul Gaius Sulpicius Paterculus defeated the Carthaginian navy at the Battle of Sulci. Later, the consuls Marcus Atilius Regulus and Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus commanded the Roman fleet that defeated yet another Carthaginian one at the Battle of Cape Ecnomus. Later yet, the consul Lucius Junius Pullus was defeated at the Battle of Phintias. Finally, the consul Gaius Lutatius Catulus inflicted the decisive defeat on Carthage at the Battle of the Aegates.

The second and third Punic Wars featured less naval action.

• We continue with the pirate wars. Here, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (AKA Pompey), who had been consul in 70, wiped the pirate thread out in only three months and proceeded to two more consulships in 55 and 52.

There are a number of examples of Roman fleets being commanded by consuls, who were the Roman equivalent of the earlier Etruscan kings.

• During the first Punic War, the consul Gaius Sulpicius Paterculus defeated the Carthaginian navy at the Battle of Sulci. Later, the consuls Marcus Atilius Regulus and Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus commanded the Roman fleet that defeated yet another Carthaginian one at the Battle of Cape Ecnomus. Later yet, the consul Lucius Junius Pullus was defeated at the Battle of Phintias. Finally, the consul Gaius Lutatius Catulus inflicted the decisive defeat on Carthage at the Battle of the Aegates.

The second and third Punic Wars featured less naval action.

• We continue with the pirate wars. Here, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (AKA Pompey), who had been consul in 70, wiped the pirate threat out in only three months and proceeded to two more consulships in 55 and 52.