Early Roman Empire, Julio-Claudian Dynasty (27 BC-AD 68): Nero’s Parthian War [1/5]

Nero’s Parthian War (58-63) [1/5]

In the East there had been no combat since the campaign (35-33 BC) of Mark Antony (53; fl.57-30 BC). In AD 52 Vologases-I of Parthia (r.51-78) invaded Armenia (a buffer state between the Romans and Parthia), conquered Artaxata (Artashat) and proclaimed his younger brother Tiridates-I (r.53, 56-59, 62-88) as king. This action violated the treaty (20 BC) signed by Augustus and Phraates IV, which gave the Romans the sole right to appoint the kings of Armenia. Problems at home forced Vologases-I (r.51-78) to withdraw his troops from Armenia, allowing Rhadamistus (r.51-53, 54-55) to reclaim the throne. Tiridates, however, backed by Vologases, soon returned and drove Rhadamistus out.

Sent by Nero, ¹¹Domitius Corbulo (cos.39) had been in Armenia since 54 toughening the Syrian garrisons which had grown used to peace and a largely sedentary existence. War did not break out until 58 when Corbulo marched into Armenia, wintered there and continued the advance in 59. He captured Artaxata and remained there the following winter. In 60 he pressed on to Tigranocerta, conquered this city as well and thereby set a seal on total victory. Tiridates escaped and a Roman client king Tigranes VI (r.59-62) was installed.

In 61 Corbulo was made responsible for the defence of Syria, while a new commander, ¹⁸Junius Caesennius Paetus (52+; fl.61-72+), arrived to take over the Armenian command. He concentrated his troops at Rhandeia, eastwards of present Elazig (central-east AM). In 62 his attempt to block Taurus passes against Vologases failed. His advance guard had been shattered and the remainder of his men were besieged in their camp. The Romans were soon in difficulties and terms were agreed. Paetus’ troops were spared on condition that he immediately retreated from Armenia.

In 63 Corbulo launched another invasion and the Parthians, not wanting another bitter struggle with Corbulo, were willing to settle. They accepted Nero’s authority over the province, and in return the Romans agreed to appoint the Parthian nominee Tiridates, provided he journeyed to Rome to receive the honour from Nero personally (66). This however was not a Roman victory. Despite its nominal allegiance to Rome, Armenia would increasingly come under Parthian influence.