Now therefore support to Hannibal was less than ever to be looked for from Spain.
Reinforcements from Spain On the part of Carthage as much had hitherto been done in support of her general in Italy as could be expected.

Phoenician squadrons threatened the coasts of Italy and of the Roman islands and guarded Africa from a Roman landing, and there the matter ended.

More substantial assistance was prevented not so much by the uncertainty as to where Hannibal was to be found and the want of a port of disembarkation in Italy, as by the fact that for many years the Spanish army had been accustomed to be self-sustaining, and above all by the murmurs of the peace party.

Hannibal severely felt the consequences of this unpardonable inaction; in spite of all his saving of his money and of the soldiers whom he had brought with him, his chests were gradually emptied, the pay fell into arrear, and the ranks of his veterans began to thin.

But now the news of the victory of Cannae reduced even the factious opposition at home to silence.