The Battle of Ecnomus was a significant naval engagement fought in 256 BC during the First Punic War between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian Empire. This battle took place off the coast of Sicily and was one of the largest naval battles of the ancient world. The Romans, led by commanders Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus and Marcus Atilius Regulus, aimed to gain control of the Mediterranean Sea. In this battle, the Romans employed innovative tactics and a larger fleet, ultimately defeating the Carthaginian forces commanded by Hanno the Great and Hamilcar. The victory at Ecnomus allowed Rome to strengthen its naval power and paved the way for further military campaigns in the war against Carthage.