INTRODUCTION

This book is a regional study of the middle Euphrates, Mesopotamia and Palmyra set in the broader context of conflict between the powerful empires of Rome and Iran. Chronologically it begins with Pompey’s establishment of the province of Syria and ends with the first Syrian campaign of Shapur I, which was concluded c. AD 257/258. Within this time-frame the greater focus lies in the first half of the third century, and considerable attention is also paid to events in this region in the latter half of the second century.