It was the consuls’ job to govern provinces, lead armies in major wars, and run the Senate and assemblies.
In 256, Lucius and Marcus Atilius Regulus sailed to Africa during the First Punic War to fight Carthage—see Battle of Cape Ecnomus.
Two of the squadrons, commanded by the consuls Marcus Atilius Regulus and Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus, led the way.
They sailed in a triangular shape because of the strong base that was easy to support during battle and also difficult to break up.
They herded cattle, burned houses of the rich, captured slaves, and destroyed the city's defenses.
In the meantime, the Senate instructed one consul to come back to Rome with the navy and the other to stay with the army in Africa.
Now, limited to combat by foot, the Romans received news of losing over half of their troops in Africa after an elephant stampede.
The Carthaginians sailed 50 ships from Africa under the command of Hannibal to try to save the city by charging towards the center of the harbor.
The Romans did not attempt to stop the entry of the fleet because of their sudden appearance and unfavorable winds in a foreign port.
The Roman attempt during the second consulship of Lucius Manlius Vulso ultimately failed, but it shows his leadership abilities through his capacity to keep recruiting sailors, even after a serious loss.
In the Battle of Cape Ecnomus, his command skills were essential in saving the transport ships, which allowed the Romans to pursue a follow-up attack at Aspis.
In his second term, he brought the army into an improved and positive state of mind through building a new fleet and recruiting many sailors, even after the losses at Lilybaeum.