 The Dukes of Gaeta often used also the title of "consul" in its Greek form "Hypatos" (see List of Hypati and Dukes of Gaeta).The city-state of Genoa, unlike ancient Rome, bestowed the title of "consul" on various state officials, not necessarily restricted to the highest.Among these were Genoese officials stationed in various Mediterranean ports, whose role included helping Genoese merchants and sailors in difficulties with the local authorities.