Carthaginian Mercenaries: Soldiers of Fortune, Allied Conscripts, and Multi-Ethnic Armies in Antiquity (original) (raw)

The paper examines the evolution of the Carthaginian mercenary system in the context of the struggles between Carthage and Rome. It highlights the initial shortcomings of ad hoc recruitment methods and the challenges posed by mercenary loyalty, particularly illustrated by the Mercenary War of 240 BCE. The reforms initiated by Hamilcar Barca and later refined by Hannibal Barca transformed the mercenary army into a more cohesive and controlled entity, showcasing an important strategy in the military history of the Punic Wars.