Mangekyou

Its possible it isnt true. But we haven't got anything to really dispute the fact tbh.

Near the end the Carthaginians were less well trained as they started to frantically throw more mercenaries and such into play.

Delenda est Roma

They didnt hire mercenary ships. The rowers were simply less well trained due to substantial losses.

Mangekyou

Not mercenary ships. Mercenary manpower.

It was a combination of losses and untrained crews. Not that it mattered anyway. Once the Romans wresled initiative from the Carthaginians, they had very little chance of regaining their position on the sea.

Delenda est Roma

Neither did they hire mercenary rowers. Rowers were receuited primarily from Carthage and its Punic cities. But they were also hired from any port in Punic control.

Mangekyou

Ill provide you with sources later.

Delenda est Roma

Carthage had no need to recruit mercenary rowers with so many of its own in its own territory. It mightve but why?

Mangekyou

Ill provide you with sources later (Im off to watch the football now).

Carthaginians frequently employed mercenaries to fight land and sea wars from them. It was far easier and far more efficient for them to do this, given the shortage of native manpower and available quality.

Delenda est Roma

Mercenaries are shown to have been exagerrated Carthages use of them. As ive said before none of Carthages armies contained Carthaginians as soldiers usually as most of them were Carthaginians. Mercenaries are different than recruits.

markdienekes

Mercenaries were involved as marines during the Carthaginian naval victory at Drepana in 249 BC (Poly. 1.49)

Delenda est Roma

But not rowers correct Mark?