How was the Carthaginian army different from the Roman?

Interesting topic, thanks!

We can talk a lot about the differences between armies, there will be many of them, and each such difference can be talked about for a long time. For example, one can discuss the differences in controllability and combat coordination of both armies, given the relative monoculturalism of the Roman army (even taking into account the allied contingents) and the multiculturalism of the Carthaginian army. However, it is advisable to focus on the basic, fundamental differences between the two armies.

In my opinion, the key difference is the issue of armies’ manning. It was the order of manning the armies that was one of the reasons for the final victory of Rome over Carthage. Even if we take into account the military reforms in Rome, the so-called reforms of Mary, we will see that even so, one of the key points is precisely the issue of manning the army.

As far as we know, Carthage did not practice conscription, the duty of citizens to serve in the army, at least until the final stages of the Punic Wars. The army of Carthage was mercenary, while the army of Rome was a militia. Mercenaries in their mass are more prepared than the militias – farmers cut off from their farms. This can be called one of the reasons for the defeats that Rome suffered. However, the Punic Wars is a long-term process, it is a confrontation of attrition, while the economy is subject to attrition. The number of mercenaries may decrease due to the losses natural for the war, but the undermined economy, all the more, cannot provide an influx and maintenance of mercenaries. At the same time, the militia is using completely different manning methods. We know about the stunning military defeats of Rome, however, even after them, Rome again put armies on the battlefield, again engaging in battle. In Rome, there was a social stratification covered by a property qualification, in accordance with this stratification, not all strata of the population were allowed to military service, which can be considered a privilege. Nevertheless, if we consider this issue in time, we see that the minimum property qualification associated with the possibility of serving in the army decreases, which, in a sense, can be called a consequence of the army’s need for soldiers. This is a kind of legislative expansion of the resource (recruitment) base.

The manning system of Rome was more suitable for a protracted confrontation with Carthage. In the course of this confrontation, the Roman “peasants” received combat experience turning into trained soldiers, and the militia turned into an army.

As I said, there are other differences, but the issue of manning armies is one of the fundamental differences.