Duilius

Gaius Duilius was a Roman statesman and general who lived in the 3rd century BC. He is best known for his crucial role in the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage. In 260 BC, during his consulship, Duilius was appointed to command the Roman fleet. At the time, Rome had little naval experience, and Carthage possessed a formidable navy. Despite this disadvantage, Duilius led the Roman forces to a decisive victory over the Carthaginians at the Battle of Mylae. This victory was a significant turning point in the war, demonstrating that Rome could challenge Carthaginian naval supremacy.

Duilius's success is often attributed to the invention of the corvus, a boarding bridge with a spike that allowed Roman soldiers to convert naval battles into land engagements, neutralizing the Carthaginians' superior sailing skills. Following his triumph at Mylae, Duilius was awarded a naval triumph, the first ever granted by Rome. A column, the Columna Rostrata, was erected in his honor, decorated with the prows of captured enemy ships. His victory and the innovations he employed fundamentally altered Roman naval strategy and contributed significantly to Rome's eventual victory in the First Punic War.