Soldier of Rome: The Road to Mesopotamia: The Artorian Dynasty, #9

By James Mace

During the five decades since the Treaty of Rhandeia ended the War of Armenian Succession, an uneasy peace has existed between the Roman and Parthian Empires. The treaty's terms dictated the King of Armenia must come from Parthia's ruling Arsacid Dynasty but can only be lawfully crowned by the Emperor of Rome. Following the passing of King Sanatruk in 110 A.D., King Osroes of Parthia appoints a new Armenian sovereign with neither consultation nor consent of Emperor Trajan. Three years later, he forcibly removes the king and installs another, again without the knowledge or permission from Rome.

Trajan sees this grievous insult as recourse to settle ancient enmities dating back to Rome's bloody humiliation at the Battle of Carrhae, 160 years prior. Parthia lies weakened by two generations of strife between rival claimants to the title, King of Kings. After seven years of peace, the legions of Rome march to war.

For Tiberius Artorius Castus, his world is changing. The end of his tenure in Mancunium sees him appointed as senior military adviser to the Governor of Britannia. Now married, and soon to be a father, Tiberius receives an esteemed honour from Emperor Trajan, an honour that will take him away from his family to the furthest end of the Roman Empire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legionary Books
• Release date: Jun 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227174680

James Mace

James Mace is a life-long historian and the author of seventeen books, including seven Ancient History best-sellers. He penned the initial draft of his first novel, "Soldier of Rome: The Legionary", as a cathartic means of escapism while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. His works span numerous eras, from Ancient Rome to the British Empire. He can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks Twitter: @LegionaryBooks Blog: http://legionarybooks.blogspot.com/

Book preview

Preface

During the five decades since the Treaty of Rhandeia ended the War of Armenian Succession, an uneasy peace has existed between the Roman and Parthian Empires. The treaty’s terms dictated the King of Armenia must come from Parthia’s ruling Arsacid Dynasty but can only be lawfully crowned by the Emperor of Rome. Following the passing of King Sanatruk in 110 A.D., King Osroes of Parthia appoints a new Armenian sovereign with neither consultation nor consent of Emperor Trajan. Three years later, he forcibly removes the king and installs another, again without the knowledge or permission from Rome.

Trajan sees this grievous insult as recourse to settle ancient enmities dating back to Rome’s bloody humiliation at the Battle of Carrhae, 160 years prior. Parthia lies weakened by two generations of strife between rival claimants to the title, King of Kings. After seven years of peace, the legions of Rome march to war.

For Tiberius Artorius Castus, his world is changing. The end of his tenure in Mancunium sees him appointed as senior military adviser to the Governor of Britannia. Now married, and soon to be a father, Tiberius receives an esteemed honour from Emperor Trajan, an honour that will take him away from his family to the furthest end of the Roman Empire.

Cast of Characters

Noble Romans:

Imperator Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus Dacicus – Emperor of Rome

Pompeia Plotina – Empress of Rome

Aelius Hadrian – Second cousin of Trajan

Publius Acilius Attianus – Prefect of the Praetorian Guard and close confidant of Trajan

Gaius Bruttius Rusticus – Commanding Legate of Legio XVI Flavia Firma, and division commander of the legions and auxilia regiments in Cappadocia

Julius Bassus – Propraetorial Legate of Syria, division commander of the eastern forces out of Syria, Judea, and Arabia

Aurelius Antoninus – Laticlavian Tribune of Legio XVI under Gaius Rusticus

Lusius Quietus – A North African Berber prince and Roman senator, appointed commanding general of Trajan’s mounted corps

Soldiers of Exercitus Britannicus:

Tiberius Artorius Castus – Dux of Britannia and commanding general of the Exercitus Britannicus division of legionary and auxilia soldiers

Sextus Rufio – A former auxilia regimental commander, now serving as Tiberius’ chief-of-staff

Octavius Magnus – Commanding Prefect of the Gallorum Petriana Cavalry Regiment, who commands the division’s mounted wing

Flavius Rashad – Syrian born Equus in command of the First Hamiorum Regiment of archers

Gaius Calvinus – Centurion Pilus Prior from Legio XX Valeria Victrix, given command of the division’s legionary detachment

Parthians:

Osroes – One of the rival King of Kings over the Parthian Empire, assumed the throne after the death of his brother, King Pacorus II

Vologases III – Eldest son of the Pacorus, nephew to Osroes, and his chief rival claimant to the throne

Axidares – Youngest son of Pacorus, installed by his uncle, Osroes, as King of Armenia

Parthamasiris – Middle son of Pacorus, seen by Osroes as potentially a more suitable king in Armenia

Abgarus VII – King of Osroene, a border state just east of Syria

Arbandes – Son of Abgarus

Attambelos VII – King of Characene, a vassal state within the Parthian Empire, the central Tigris, southern Euphrates, and the river trade routes leading into the Persian Gulf

Wadfradad IV – King of Persis, a vassal state within the Parthian Empire

Meharaspes – King of Adiabene, a vassal state in northern Mesopotamia

Prologue: The Gate of Kings

Artaxata, Kingdom of Armenia

110 A.D.

***

King Sanatruk is dead, the chamberlain said.

Various nobles and courtiers gathered outside the royal bedchambers, where the physician now departed, his head bowed. Sanatruk had been ill for months, so his passing was not unexpected. However, he was widowed and without an heir.

And so, the Kingdom of Osroene will pass back to the Abgarids, a courtier remarked as the elders left the chamber.

A member of the Arsacid Dynasty of Parthia, Sanatruk had ruled over both Armenia and the small Kingdom of Osroene for the past eighteen years. Also known as the Kingdom of Edessa, after its capital city, Osroene lay in upper Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Semi-autonomous, they were vassals of the Parthian Empire to the south. The Roman province of Syria, Parthia’s age-old adversary, lay just across the Euphrates River to the west.

Prior to Sanatruk’s reign, Osroene had been ruled by Nabataean Arabs of the Abgarid Dynasty for over 240 years.

King Pacorus has no need for Osroene, the vizier said. Thus, he agreed to sell the vassalage back to the old dynasty, once Sanatruk breathed his last. King Abgarus VII shall now rule over the tiny state, and I say good riddance.

Abgarus already pledged to maintain Osroene neutrality, should conflict arise between Parthia and Rome, another councillor noted. Though I foresee even greater troubles at home for the King of Kings than renewed war with Caesar.

Indeed, Pacorus’ place upon the Parthian throne is precarious, the vizier noted. He’s contended with rivals within his own family for decades. And his own health has been suffering for some weeks now.

Another councillor concurred. His brother, Osroes, eagerly awaits his demise, even though Pacorus has three sons. And Pacorus has sent his eldest, Vologases, east.

He’s securing his legacy, the vizier surmised. Should he succumb to his ailments, I foresee Osroes attempting to seize the throne. There will be a Parthia divided between Osroes in the west and Vologases in the east.

Which is why the Empire needs to maintain the barrier states between itself and Rome.

Which include our own kingdom, the vizier noted. And matters of Sanatruk’s successor are far more complicated, involving both Parthia and Rome.

Two months later, a cluster of dark clouds, in an otherwise clear, blue sky, ominously blotted out the sun. In its shadow rode a young man on horseback, flanked by columns of heavily-armed Parthian cataphracts. These imposing cavalrymen wore long-sleeved mail armour. A mail scarf wrapped around the face and neck, fastened to their iron helmets. These left only the eyes exposed, which added to their fearsome visage.

The man’s name was Axidares. Twenty years old, the youngest son of King Pacorus II, and now a political prisoner. The men flanking him were not the bodyguards of a royal prince, but his gaolers. Soon after the passing of King Sanatruk, Pacorus died of a stomach ailment at the age of forty-eight. Rumours of murder now persisted. Before word could reach his eldest son, styled King Vologases III, of his father’s passing, Pacorus’ brother, Osroes, seized the throne for himself. The Parthian Empire, stricken by rivalries within the royal family for decades, was now cloven in two. Vologases held control over the eastern reaches of the Empire, while Osroes lorded over the west.

Matters were further complicated by the unexpected death of King Sanatruk. While Parthia maintained influential control over Osroene, despite Pacorus selling off the vassalage, it was Sanatruk’s other domain of Armenia that required the usurper’s immediate attention. This was owing to Pacorus not having appointed a successor. He’d stated his intent was to wait until his recovery, then vet suitable candidates within the Arsacid Dynasty to submit to Emperor Trajan’s approval in Rome. Such were the terms of the treaty which ended the last great war between Parthia and Rome.

Am I being sent into exile, or to my execution? Axidares asked the large man in bronze armour who rode to his right.

There was no response, other than a sidelong look from the Parthian general, whose name was Arshak. Soon after helping Osroes seize control of the western empire and its capital at Ctesiphon, he was named commander of the King’s Guard, as well as commander-in-chief of all armies loyal to the usurper. It was he who had also awoken the young prince in the middle of the night and taken him from the city.

If my uncle wants me dead, he should have done away with me publicly.

Since their hasty departure, Axidares had tried to elicit some sort of conversation from his captors. Yet none was forthcoming. The only words ever spoken to him were when food was brought and when he was awoken each morning. He didn’t feel mistreated, outside of the total silence he was subjected to. No one laid a hand on him, and those who brought his meals bowed their heads as they did so. Of course, these were slaves who understood little outside of the orders they carried out for their masters.

Over the coming days, they continued north, passing from the fertile Euphrates plain into the rolling hills of northern Mesopotamia. Still, they carried on, reaching the rugged mountains of what he assumed was Armenia. Here their pace slowed, and the temperatures cooled considerably when compared to the at times unbearable heat of Ctesiphon, along the southern Tigris River. The winters here were as brutally cold as the summers of Mesopotamia were hot.

Axidares was even more puzzled when they reached the Armenian capital of Artaxata, three weeks later. Dating back 200 years, to the time of King Tigranes the Great, it was one of the most prosperous trading and cultural centres in the known world. The city had also seen its share of tragedy. During Tigranes’ reign, Artaxata was besieged and sacked by the Romans, then set ablaze. During the more recent War of Armenian Succession, it was sacked once more by the Romans. Yet Artaxata proved as resilient as its people, the scars of war healing over time, with prosperity returning.

Armenia was in a state of political flux, as a successor to King Sanatruk had yet to be named. In accordance with the laws agreed upon following the War of Armenian Succession, he would come from Parthia’s Arsacid Dynasty, but could only be crowned by the Emperor of Rome.

That he was being taken to one of the greatest cities east of the Euphrates, hundreds of miles from his home, caused Axidares to become suspicious. What were his uncle’s intentions for him? Axidares’ oldest brother, Vologases, controlled the eastern Parthian Empire and was Osroes’ chief rival claimant to the title, King of Kings. His middle brother, Parthamasiris, was little more than their uncle’s sycophantic lackey. Perhaps he was hoping to be named Osroes’ successor, since the king’s own son had fled into exile.

Even more startling were the crowds of people who seemed to be awaiting him. Hundreds of soldiers in iron mail or bronze scale armour lined the road, keeping the curious throngs at bay. People cheered and waved to Axidares. Passing through the assorted marketplaces and residential districts, they came to the gated grounds of the palace. Standing majestically atop one of the many hills upon which the city was built, its red brick walls and parapets could be seen for miles.

Guardsmen opened the large iron gates to the grounds, heads bowed as Axidares and his escorts passed. The wide stone steps leading towards the palace proper were topped with grass. A score of men in white and gold ceremonial robes stood behind another man, whose attire was red with gold trim. He bowed as the host reined in their mounts. Arshak dismounted and finally spoke. He dropped to one knee and bowed his head as he did so.

At last, we have arrived, your majesty.

Axidares did not immediately respond as he dismounted. A servant hastened forward and took the bridle of his horse. The man in red strode forward purposefully. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, his hair and close-cropped beard the darkest shade of brown. His eyes were piercing. His hands were folded in front as he partially bowed at the waist.

Our humblest apologies, sire, but the instructions from the great King Osroes were explicit.

Instructions? the young man asked.

That none were to speak to you until we reached Artaxata, Arshak said, standing to face him. Should we have been beset by hostile forces, either from Vologases, or Rome, your life would have been in danger. Had they learned Osroes’ plans for you, your life may have been forfeit.

What plans? Axidares asked in exasperation.

Why, only this, the man in red said, gesturing back towards the palace. All this is yours now, your majesty. The great Osroes has declared that you, his noble nephew, be named King of Armenia.

With a raise of his hand, all the assembled councillors, nobles, and soldiers fell to one knee, heads bowed. With a unified voice they cried out, Hail, King Axidares! Long may he reign!

That evening, the young sovereign sat alone in his private chambers. He’d dismissed his personal body slaves, ordering them to wait outside until summoned. For the moment, he wished to be left alone with his thoughts.

One moment, I am a political prisoner of my uncle’s ... after he murdered my father! And now that bastard has placed me on the throne of Armenia. Why?

He paced the room. Having removed his sandals, he felt the cool paving stones beneath the thin rug. The death of King Pacorus had thrown the Parthian Empire into even greater disarray. Multiple claimants had been trying to unify the disparate regions for a generation. Yet none could agree on who should rule over their great nation. By rights, Axidares’ brother, Vologases III, was the lawful King of all Parthia. Albeit the succession was not strictly hereditary. Two councils, one of nobles, the other of spiritual leaders, chose the worthiest heir. Corruption and selfishness had marred this process, with members of all factions supporting candidates who helped further their personal ambitions, rather than the need of the people. It was of little surprise that Osroes had refused to allow either council to assemble after Pacorus’ death.

Axidares’ grandfather, Vologases I, was the last King of Kings to lord over a unified Parthian Empire. It was he who fought the Romans to a standstill in Armenia. With the Empire now bitterly divided, those in the west had to contend with their eastern rivals while constantly looking over their shoulders to the west. Many feared the threat of Caesar’s armies crossing the Euphrates.

Armenia was meant to act as a barrier state between the rival empires, albeit its territory only covered the northwest boundary between Parthia and the Roman province of Cappadocia. The southwestern border was marked by the Euphrates River.

Axidares was also troubled by the nature of his elevation. Arshak had invoked Rome as a threat, yet it was the Romans who were supposed to crown an Armenian king. However, there had been no representative of Caesar at the palace. Nor was any mention made of his coronation being sanctioned by the emperor.

The following day, Axidares met with his inner council. He knew little about any of the men, only that his vizier, Baghdasar, was of Armenian and Cappadocian heritage. Axidares kept this meeting confined to just six men, including Baghdasar and a young man who acted as royal courier. Even he was older than the new king, who reckoned many within the court had sons older than he. Axidares knew not whether any could be trusted. But then, given the dangerous position he found himself in, he needed to take some risks.

The Treaty of Rhandeia has kept the peace along the Euphrates border for decades. And according to the terms agreed to by Emperor Nero and my revered grandfather, King Vologases I, the Kings of Armenia will come from the royal house of Parthia, yet must be ratified and crowned by Rome. Since my arrival yesterday, I have only been greeted by Armenian nobles and Parthian representatives. The nearest Roman fortress lies a week’s journey from Artaxata, yet no emissaries of Caesar have come. Looking to his vizier, he asked, Am I right to assume that no message has been conveyed to the Romans?

It is so, sire, Baghdasar said with an apologetic bow. "This was also per your uncle’s orders. No disrespect intended towards the illustrious Osroes, though your sudden placement upon the Armenian throne without Roman consent is ... shall we say, precarious."

Disrespect my uncle all you will, Axidares scoffed angrily. Bastard murdered my father. And by seizing half the Empire from my brother, he’s weakened all of Parthia. What’s more, he’s corrupted my remaining brother, Parthamasiris!

He then shook his head and gave a mirthless laugh of understanding.

He could not risk further division amongst the people by disposing of me. He also understands that by placing me in Armenia, I am powerless to aid Vologases. Not that I trust that sneering twat.

Forgive me, sire, but he is your brother, the vizier said.

Pacorus and Osroes were also brothers! Axidares snapped. Vologases and I are indifferent to each other on the best of days. Were he to eventually overthrow our uncle and unite Parthia once more, our shared parentage does not guarantee he’d leave me on the Armenian throne. He then let out a melancholy sigh. It’s Parthamasiris who most disappoints me. We were actually quite close in our youth. Part of me does not blame him for declaring for our uncle, should he view him as the stronger. But to become such a fawning minion is beyond repulsive. I hope to one day see both he and Osroes nailed to crosses by Caesar!

Axidares then glanced around the room. His quick changes in temperament betrayed his youth and inexperience. He was completely out of his depth, and he knew it. As the youngest son of King Pacorus, he was never intended for any position of responsibility, let alone the throne of Armenia. In all likelihood, Parthamasiris would have been his father’s choice to rule over Armenia. But it seemed their uncle had other intentions for him.

Axidares was gauging the demeanour of his royal council, lamenting that he scarcely knew any of them. He’d immediately sacked those appointed by Osroes, knowing they could not be trusted. But what of those who now stood before him in the antechamber of the royal palace? Only time would tell, especially after he sent his message to Rome.

And Caesar is our most immediate threat, he then declared. While it is Osroes who has violated the Treaty of Rhandeia, it is Axidares who will pay the price. My uncle is too preoccupied in his squabbles with my brother. Caesar, however, has three legions on our very doorstep, along with tens-of-thousands of additional soldiers he can call upon at a moment’s notice. Should the Emperor of Rome feel sufficiently provoked, his armies could reach Artaxata in a matter of days. And unlike the time of my grandfather, there is no unified Parthian army to stand in their way.

Axidares then dismissed the court, with the exception of his vizier and messenger. Baghdasar spoke passable Latin, and Axidares felt it courteous to write to Emperor Trajan in his own tongue. He therefore directed the man to translate into the Roman speech as he dictated.

To Emperor Caesar Traianus,

It is with utmost humility that I express regret for the transgressions wrought by my uncle, Osroes of Parthia. I beseech your pardon, not for my uncle, but for myself, caught as I am in his schemes against my eldest brother, Vologases III, the rightful King of Parthia.

Know that I reject the royal diadem of Armenia, as it may only be conferred by Caesar or his representative. I continue to serve the people of Armenia, though will only accept the title of King upon endorsement by Rome. For though the treaty ratified by the first Vologases and Nero Caesar states the King of Armenia will come from the Arsacid Dynasty, it is Rome, and not Parthia, which Armenia is a client kingdom of.

In order to prove our fealty and friendship, I personally vow, on the spirit of my father and ancestors, that no hostilities towards Rome will come from Armenia, so long as I am sovereign. And should the ancient conflicts between Rome and Parthia reignite into war, Rome will have unfettered access to cross through our lands. While I ask Caesar’s understanding that Armenia cannot take up arms against Parthia, they will not receive any support from my people, so long as the usurper that I am ashamed to call uncle sits upon my late father’s throne in Ctesiphon.

I, therefore, await Caesar’s judgment. Should he declare my rule illegitimate, owing to the offences of Osroes, I shall ask for asylum within Roman territory, lest I fall victim to the usurper, as my unfortunate father before me.

I remain faithfully,

Axidares of Armenia

As the vizier did his best to translate his sovereign’s words, he noted that Axidares prudently avoided any titles for himself. He also refused to acknowledge Osroes as king, only granting such title to his brother, Vologases. After several minutes, with Axidares pacing with his hands clasped behind his back, he finished. Baghdasar dusted the parchment, hastening the ink’s drying.

I know not whether to consider your actions bold or foolish, he said candidly.

They are neither, the young king replied. They are simply a practical matter of survival. If I do nothing, Caesar may come for my head. And do you think my uncle will despatch even a single cataphract to protect me?

Axidares’ emissary reached Roman territory five days later. Per the king’s orders, he’d headed due south into Syria, rather than west, towards Cappadocia. He first reached the imperial fortress of Legio XVI Flavia Firma at the ancient Hittite city of Samosata. Owing to its proximity to the Parthian Empire, just across the Euphrates River, there were additional auxilia forts and outposts along the border. It was a patrol from one such cavalry regiment that the messenger came upon. The messenger spoke to them quickly in Greek, a language shared by many within the eastern reaches of the Roman Empire and beyond. He stated he had an urgent message from King Axidares of Armenia for the Propraetorial Legate of Syria.

There is no King Axidares of Armenia, the corporal leading the patrol said with suspicion.

It is his ascension which requires the governor’s immediate attention, the messenger implored.

The corporal looked the man over and nodded.

I shall take you to the legate of Legio XVI. He will decide how to pass on your message.

The courier nodded and followed the section leader to the fortress. Though the legion’s commanding legate was not the provincial governor, he was still a member of the imperial senate and therefore the governor’s social peer. Upon reading the message from Axidares, addressed to Emperor Trajan, the legate ordered the messenger be given food and lodgings for the night.

Antioch is about a week’s journey by horse from here, the governor said. This message is too important to risk being lost. I will therefore detach a squadron of mounted legionaries to escort you.

I am grateful, excellency, the messenger said with a bow.

It was on the seventh day of his journey out of Samosata that they reached the capital of Roman Syria.

The imperial governor was Lucius Fabius Justus, a renowned general and statesman. Following a suffect consulship during the fourth year of Emperor Trajan’s reign, he was appointed Governor of Lower Moesia. During the Dacian Wars, he was one of the three division commanders appointed by Trajan. For his service and leadership, Trajan granted him the rare honour of sequential governorships. As soon as his term in Moesia was complete, Justus was appointed Propraetorial Legate of Syria, one of the more prestigious postings for a Roman senatorial governor. This all but guaranteed he’d be given a second consulship in a few years, when his term ended.

A despatch rider was sent ahead of the emissary, arriving in Antioch two days before the Armenian and his escorts. Imperial spies, known as speculatores, in Armenia had informed him of Sanatruk’s failing health, while those in Parthia kept a close watch on the civil unrest between rival kings. Justus stifled his simmering umbrage upon learning that the Parthians had installed a new king upon the Armenian throne without consultation or approval from Rome. Instead, he elected to hear what this envoy had to say about the matter.

One of the richest cities in the whole of the Roman Empire, Antioch possessed a prosperous trading port along the River Orontes, which fed into the Mediterranean Sea. The palatial complex sat upon an island surrounded on all sides by the Orontes. It also housed two thermae spas, a circus, and a small stadium.

The Armenian emissary and his entourage approached from the northeast, passing first into the northern quarters of the city, before crossing over one of the five bridges which spanned the river. Five of his indigenous bodyguards were allowed to accompany him, though all were only allowed to carry their long daggers. In turn, they were accompanied by twenty troopers from the Sixteenth Flavia’s mounted wing, plus an equal number from the local urban cohort.

Justus wore his formal toga and sat upon his great chair in the tribunal. Several magistrates stood to either side, with his freedman scribes at the base of the dais. He sat with his elbows on the armrests, fingertips touching beneath his chin as he appraised the man who came before him. The messenger’s dark green with gold trim tunic was a sign of his status. His hair and beard were well groomed, and he carried a large papyrus scroll. The man stepped to within a few paces of the dais and held up the scroll while bowing his head.

Hail, most noble governor and voice of Caesar, he said politely in Greek. He’d carefully rehearsed the words and spoke quickly. I bring word from my sovereign, King Axidares of Armenia, who humbly beseeches Caesar’s pardon for the transgression regarding the improprieties surrounding his rise to the throne.

Justus gestured to a clerk, who took the message and handed it to the governor. The emissary raised his head and stood with his hands folded. Justus was surprised to see it was written in Latin, rather than Greek. After a few minutes, he rolled up the scroll and waved with it towards the messenger.

Are you aware of the contents within this letter?

The emissary nodded.

And you understand what would have become of you and your king, were this known to the Parthians?

Our severed heads would be covered in flies atop spikes, and our bodies a feast for the carrion birds, the messenger replied, his tone even.

Justus allowed himself a brief grin of appreciation. He sat back in his chair, tapping the scroll on his open palm.

I cannot speak for Caesar, he said. However, I will forward this to Rome, with my own recommendation that he treats this indiscretion with clemency.

The messenger bowed and Justus dismissed him.

It was several weeks later when Emperor Caesar Traianus received Axidares’ message, along with Justus’ report. His initial irritation was tempered by what he deemed an opportunity.

Osroes’ actions are in clear violation of the Treaty of Rhandeia, the praetorian prefect and court adviser, Acilius Attianus, remarked. Do you think he’s trying to incite war, Caesar?

He’s trying to project strength, but I doubt he wants war, Trajan replied. Our armies in the east may still be recovering from the two Dacian Wars, but Parthia is divided between rival kings. Vologases is an unknown to us at the moment, though he can hardly think too kindly of his uncle usurping half the Parthian Empire from under him. According to Justus’ speculatores, rumours are that Osroes had his brother, the late King Pacorus, poisoned.

It’s possible, the current consul, Cornelius Scipio, remarked. Pacorus was still in his forties. And his sons are all in their early to mid-twenties.

Osroes likely reckoned he could simply push his nephews aside, Attianus conjectured. That Vologases determined to secure his rights, with half the Parthian Empire supporting him, bodes well for us.

Indeed, Trajan concurred. Parthia has endured division for over a generation, and Osroes has exacerbated this fracturing. He then looked to his chief librarian, an Equus named Suetonius. How many sons did Pacorus have?

Three, Caesar, Suetonius replied. Vologases—who incidentally is the third Parthian monarch of that name—is the eldest. Axidares is the youngest. The middle brother is called Parthamasiris.

Who it would seem Osroes is keeping close to him for now, Scipio added. This could be either because he does not trust his middle nephew, or perhaps because he views Axidares as the weakest of the three and therefore the least likely to cause trouble while he contends with Vologases.

Unfortunately, Suetonius said, we know nothing about the relationship between the sons of Pacorus. If it is anything like that between their uncle and late father, Parthia will remain splintered for another generation.

At least Axidares has remained compliant, Trajan mused. He vows to offer no resistance, should Rome declare war on Parthia.

As if he has a choice, Scipio scoffed. There is no force in Armenia that could prevent the legions from crossing their paltry kingdom at will.

They may not be able to prevent this, consul, Attianus spoke up, but they could certainly hinder any such efforts. Armenia is very mountainous. Advancing columns, especially supply convoys, would be extremely vulnerable.

Well, we are not at war with Parthia at the moment, Suetonius interjected. Nodding to Trajan, he added, Nor has Caesar given any inclination he seeks to renew the age-old hostilities.

If he did, the current Parthian divisions would present an unprecedented opportunity, Attianus remarked, arms folded across his chest, his brow furrowed in thought.

The assembled courtiers and senior senators looked to the emperor, who stood with his thumb and forefinger resting against his chin in contemplation.

We are only three years removed from our triumph over Dacia, he at last said. Any war with Parthia would require at least some of these forces, in addition to the legions garrisoning our eastern frontier. The people may welcome the chance to settle our centuries-old scores with Parthia. However, the emplacement of King Axidares upon the Armenian throne without Roman consent, while a clear violation of the treaty that has kept the peace for fifty years, is not yet sufficient to justify a full-scale invasion. Especially as Axidares seems to be making every effort to placate us at the expense of his uncle.

This is true, Trajan’s cousin, Aelius Hadrian, concurred. He was glancing over several documents on a side table. According to Justus’ report, Axidares accepted substantial risk to both his throne and his life by sending such an imploring message of supplication.

Since Rome had not ratified Axidares’ ascension, it could hardly be a provocation against us, were Osroes to forcibly remove his nephew, Suetonius observed.

It would be, now that I have learned Axidares’ intentions, Trajan said.

At least we have highly capable governors with military skill on our eastern border, Attianus said. Justus was, after all, one of our division commanders in Dacia. The same goes for Julius Bassus, who currently governs Cappadocia on Armenia’s western border.

His term ends in a year, Scipio said. Marcus Junius Homullus is set to replace him. He is older and equally capable as a governor. Plus, he has already twice served as consul. With a pause he added, A bit of interesting history between those two. Homullus was one of the barristers who defended Bassus’ father on the charges of corruption in Bithynia and Pontus nine years ago.

Homullus doesn’t have the younger Bassus’ military credentials, Attianus remarked. With a side glance towards Trajan he added, But then, we do not need experienced division commanders and legates in the east just yet.

Not yet, Trajan concurred, tapping his finger against his chin once more.

Mesopotamia and the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire

Chapter I: The Achaean Call

Rome

March, 112 A.D.

Bust of Aelius Hadrian, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Empire is at peace, but how long will it last?

These words had lingered in Hadrian’s mind for nearly six years. Decades of strife against the Kingdom of Dacia had led to horrifically bloody wars across the Danube and Carpathians. Thankfully, the newly conquered Province of Dacia had been mostly docile since the death of their former king, Decebalus. Even before returning to Rome in triumph, many wondered whether Emperor Trajan, the eternal soldier, would be content ruling over an empire at peace.

More recently, there was added speculation that Trajan would seek to redress the insult by King Osroes of Parthia through force of arms. However, in the eighteen months since Osroes’ nephew, Axidares, was named King of Armenia, the eastern borders of the Empire still remained at peace. Trajan had not formally recognised Axidares, nor had he demanded his abdication.

During the years of peace, Trajan had proven a diligent administrator and stateman. Capable and self-aware, he relied on skilled bureaucrats to shore up his own shortcomings. These had included Hadrian, who’d displayed talents in both diplomacy and oration.

With the vast treasure taken from Dacia, Trajan extended welfare programs for the poor, improved trade and