ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the situation of the various forces within Syria. The existence of a major Roman army in Syria meant that any intended Parthian attack would have to be preceded by a major military build-up on the Parthian side, which could not possibly be kept secret. In Syria the Romans were seen as conquerors and enemies, and their military precautions were clearly justified. The practice of the Roman administration of stationing legions in recently conquered regions – Bostra, Samosata, Jerusalem – only reinforces the conclusion that the legions in Syria were positioned more for internal security reasons rather than to deter any foreign invasion; it is also a reminder that being included within the empire was not something altogether welcomed. Besides the legions, Syria was also garrisoned by a considerable number of auxiliary regiments. The main source for identifying Syria's auxilia is a series of discharge diplomas, which are in fact only rarely found in Syria.
