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POLITICAL HISTORY OF PARTHIA

equal number of auxiliaries were ordered to be prepared to march on short notice. Meanwhile the position of Paetus was becoming increasingly dangerous. The advance posts and isolated Roman detachments were quickly overcome by the enemy, and a regular siege of the camp was begun. Again messengers went to Corbulo, this time with a plea for immediate aid.

Then Corbulo began his march.[1] Leaving a part of his forces to maintain the forts along the Euphrates, he moved by the shortest and best provisioned route through Commagene, Cappadocia, and then Armenia. To avoid such difficulties as Paetus had encountered in securing provisions, Corbulo carried wheat on camels which followed the army. Shortly he began to meet fugitives from the besieged Roman camp, and thenceforward he proceeded by forced marches with great rapidity. But Paetus was unable to await his arrival and entered into negotiations with the Parthians. Doubtless the latter were aware of the proximity of the relieving column and were glad to arrange a peace. The Roman commission was forced to negotiate with Vasaces, the Parthian cavalry commander. An agreement was reached on the second day, when Corbulo was but three days' march away. Monobazus of Adiabene acted as witness to the treaty thus concluded, the terms of which were naturally highly favorable to the Parthians.

  1. Whether or not Tacitus attempts to cover up deliberate negligence on the part of Corbulo in not hastening to the relief need not be discussed here.