The purpose of his appointment was for "clavi figendi causa", literally to mobilise the resources of the state to bring about the creation of a navy, which the Romans would need to successfully take the war to Carthage.
The purpose of his appointment was for "clavi figendi causa". This was literally. This was to mobilise the resources of the state to bring about the creation of a navy. The Romans would need to successfully take the war to Carthage a navy.