ABSTRACT
The Tigris may have been Rome's eastern frontier for much of its history, but the presence of so great a power as Rome was felt far beyond. Direct and indirect traces of Rome are encountered throughout Asia, from chance remarks in ancient Chinese annals to chance finds on remote Indian beaches. The history of Roman military expansion in the East was overshadowed by the memory of Alexander of Macedon throughout. Emperor Caracalla also vied for comparison with Alexander, as did Julian. Trajan's and Julian's fascination with Alexander was hardly more successful than Caracalla's. Sources recount the capture of the Iranian 'capital' of Ctesiphon with such frequency that one is left doubting their veracity. Despite setting off before winter was over, the campaign initially went well and Antony penetrated deep into western Iran. The news of Antony's massive Parthian disaster, when it eventually did trickle back to Rome, was decisive in Octavian's bid to assume absolute power.
