CHAPTER I.
The reign of Valarsaces I.
Valarsaces, the brother of Arsaces the Great, who was the grandson of Arsaces the Parthian, assumed the government of Armenia, and established himself in Nisibis.
He immediately began preparations to carry into effect the determination of extending his fame and dominions which the advice of Arsaces had excited in his bosom. He assembled an immense army and marched to the borders of his kingdom, encamping on the banks of the river Arax, near the city of Armavir. After remaining here a few days, in order to marshal his troops, he directed his course toward the north-west, advancing to the borders of Armenia Minor, at that time in quiet possession of Morpheulices the son of Darius, of whom we have before given some account.
Great apprehension of danger having been excited by the warlike preparations of Valarsaces, a league had been formed by the
