derastations over the whole of Asia, throwing^ that quarter of the world into a state of horror and confusion. The people of Palestine and the Egyptians, observing Uie success with which the Armenians and Persians braved the Roman power» followed their example and revolted. Trajan, the Roman emperor, when he came to a, d. ns. the knowledge of all these events, gathered his troops, and with an immense force set out in person to quell the rebels. His first campaign was directed against Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia.
Having restored tranquillity there, and brought the people of these countries again under the imperial power, he prepared to go against the Armenians and Persians.
Artaces, perceiving the vast force the emperor was leading against him, and considering the advanced age of his valiant general Sumbat, turned his thoughts towards peace. He therefore set out to meet Trajan, with gifts of great value, by which he endeavoured to sooth his wrath. Artaces by this means so conciliated his good will that a treaty of peace and friendship was made between them.
The emperor then marched against the Per- sians, whom he subdued; and in consequence of the successful result of his expedition, he as- sumed the titles of ** Parthicus et Armenicus/'
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