Gnaeus was possibly the son of L. Cornelius L. f. L. n. Lentulus Caudinus, curule aedile in 209 BC, though the presence of the praenomen Gnaeus, along with the absence of the agnomen Caudinus, are opposed to this connection.
He wished for the province of Africa, that he might conclude the war with Carthage; but this well-earned glory was reserved for Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus by the Senate.
Lentulus had the command of the fleet on the coast of Sicily, with orders to pass over to Africa if necessary.
Lentulus was proconsul in Hither Spain in 199 BC, and received an ovation for his services.
[3] In Book 18 of The Histories, Greek historian Polybius mentions a journey undertaken by Gnaeus Lentulus to meet with King Philip so as to encourage an alliance with Rome.