Wealthy Roman citizens financed, equipped and crewed 200 quinqueremes after earlier fleet losses. Carthage's attempt to obtain a loan from Ptolemaic Egypt was refused. Roman donors also pressed for experienced commanders to serve aboard their ships. Catulus and Falto drilled the crews in manoeuvres and exercises and provided an adequate diet. The new ships omitted the corvus boarding bridge. Freedom conditional on service is one proposed explanation for the rowers' motivation, although their status remains debated.
Chapter · 1:17:26-1:20:31
Rome abandons the corvus and trains for maneuver
Private finance, experienced officers, regular exercises and adequate food prepared Rome's emergency fleet for battle.