gene, informing him that Pacorus (I),[1] son of King Orodes of Parthia, had reached the Euphrates. Pacorus, at this time young and inexperienced, was supported in the command by Osaces, a more seasoned warrior.[2] The troops under Pacorus consisted of a large detachment of Parthian cavalry and a considerable force of allies, some of whom may have been Arabs.[3] Artavasdes, king of Armenia and brother-in-law of Pacorus, was reported to be contemplating an attack on Cappadocia.[4] But Cicero, who did not quite trust Antiochus, the source of this information, decided to await further news before acting.[5]
Since a Parthian thrust from Syria at Cilicia was expected to pass through Cappadocia, Cicero decided to advance with his legions to a point where he could be prepared to act no matter whence the attack came. On September 19,[6] while on the march to Cilicia, Tarcondimotus,[7] the chief Roman ally in the region beyond the Taurus, reported that Pacorus had crossed the Euphrates and camped at Tyba.[8] A series up-
- ↑ Pacorus apparently struck coins in his own name, although there is no numismatic evidence for a joint rule with his father; see p. 104, n. 43.
- ↑ Dio Cass. xl. 28; Cicero Ep. ad Att. v. 20. 3.
- ↑ Cicero Ep. ad fam. xv. 4. 7.
- ↑ Ibid. xv. 3. 1.
- ↑ Ibid. xv. 1. 1–2.
- ↑ Ibid. xv. 1. 2. The date is mistranslated by W. G. Williams in the Loeb edition.
- ↑ See PW s.v.
- ↑ Possibly ʿAin Dēbā, PW, art. "Syria," col. 1624.
