Why the quinquereme was the capital ship of its age

The quinquereme was the practical heavy warship of the First Punic War, and its name did not mean that it had five banks of oars. It referred to the number of rowers in an oar group, which several physical arrangements could provide. Its main weapon was the bronze ram, so propulsion, manoeuvre, and coordinated rowing directly determined combat effectiveness. Larger rowing arrangements promised more power but also increased construction costs, mechanical complexity, and demand for trained manpower.