ABSTRACT

. Among all the foreign powers in the East with whom the Romans had contended for mastery, one had proved quite their equal in warlike prowess and valor. That was Parthia. Her terrible horsemen, whose extraordinary expertness in riding was matched by their skill in the use of the bow, were especially dreaded, and, as a rule, the Romans were content to repel their ravages without seeking revenge. Before the battle of Philippi, Cassius had sought their assistance, and although the battle was fatal to the republican cause, still those in sympathy with it persuaded the Parthian King Orodes to make an invasion into Syria. This he did in the year 41 B. c., joining the Romans who were hostile to Antony, and occupying all northern Syria.