called, that is, they had five
banks of oars.

The Romans, on the other hand, did not neglect their own preparations.
Though reluctant to enter upon the war, they still prepared to engage
in it with their characteristic energy and ardor, when they found that
it could not be averted. They resolved on raising two powerful armies,
one for each of the consuls. The plan was, with one of these to
advance to meet Hannibal, and with the other to proceed to Sicily, and
from Sicily to the African coast, with a view of threatening the
Carthaginian capital. This plan, if successful, would compel the
Carthaginians to recall a part or the whole of Hannibal's army from
the intended invasion of Italy to defend their own African homes.

The force raised by the Romans amounted to about seventy thousand men.
About a third of these were Roman soldiers, and the remainder were
drawn from various nations dwelling in Italy and in the islands of the
Mediterranean Sea which were in alliance with the Romans. Of these
troops six thousand were cavalry. Of course, as the Romans intended
to cross into Africa, they needed a fleet. They built and equipped
one, which consisted of two hundred and twenty ships of the largest
class, that is, quinqueremes, besides a number of smaller and lighter
vessels for services requiring speed. There were vessels in use in
those times larger than the quinqueremes. Mention is occasionally made
of those which had six and even seven banks of oars. But these were
only employed as the flag-ships of commanders, and for other purposes
of ceremony and parade, as they were too unwieldy for efficient
service in action.

Lots were then drawn in a very solemn manner, according to the Roman
custom on such occasions, to decide on the assignment of these two
armies to the respective consuls. The one destined to meet Hannibal on
his way from Spain, fell to a consul named Cornelius Scipio. The name
of the other was Sempronius. It devolved on him, consequently, to take
charge of the expedition destined to Sicily and Africa. When all the
arrangements were thus made, the question was finally put, in a very
solemn and formal manner, to the Roman people for their final vote and
decision. "Do the Roman people decide and decree that war shall be
declared against the Carthaginians?" The decision was in the
affirmative. The war was then proclaimed with the usual imposing
ceremonies. Sacrifices and religious celebrations followed, to
propiti