Allowing for a suitable time to install the new inventions and embark the marines, the Romans proceeded to take the Straits of Messina with their entire force. The numbers on either side vary slightly depending on the author but it is clear that both sides were about evenly matched with about 120 ships. The first conflict was the Battle of Mylae, fought for control of Messina at Milazzo. It was a Roman victory. The Carthaginians attacked twice, losing 30 ships the first time and 20 the second before they perceived that new inventions were being employed against them and beat a retreat. The Romans won again at the Battle of Sulci off Sardinia in 258 BC, and again at the Battle of Tyndaris in 257 BC, etc. Hannibal Gisco was condemned for incompetence by the Carthaginian Senate after Sulci. They evidently still did not understand why the Carthaginians were no longer victorious.