on
succeeded in bringing about the murder of Arsaces by his attendants, he
marched into Armenia, and became master of the capital without meeting
any resistance. Artabanus, upon this, sent his son Orodes to maintain
the Parthian cause in the disputed province; but he proved no match for
the Iberian, who was superior in numbers, in the variety of his troops,
and in familiarity with the localities. Pharasmanes had obtained the
assistance of his neighbors, the Albanians, and, opening the passes
of the Caucasus, had admitted through them a number of the Scythic or
Sarmatian hordes, who were always ready, when their swords were hired,
to take a part in the quarrels of the south. Orodes was unable to
procure either mercenaries or allies, and had to contend unassisted
against the three enemies who had joined their forces to oppose him. For
some time he prudently declined an engagement; but it was difficult to
restrain the ardor of his troops, whom the enemy exasperated by their
reproaches. After a while he was compelled to accept the battle which
Pharasmanes incessantly offered. His force consisted entirely of
cavalry, while Pharasmanes had besides his horse a powerful body of
infantry. The battle was nevertheless stoutly contested; and the victory
might have been doubtful, had it not happened that in a hand-to-hand
combat between the two commanders Orodes was struck to the ground by his
antagonist, and thought by most of his own men to be killed. As usual
under such circumstances in the East, a rout followed. If we may believe
Josephus, "many tens of thousands" were slain. Armenia was wholly lost;
and Artabanus found himself left with diminished resources and tarnished
fame to meet the intrigues of his domestic enemies.

Still, he would not succumb without an effort. In the spring of A.D.
36, having levied the whole force of the Empire, he took the field and
marched northwards, determined, if possible, to revenge himself on
the Iberians and recover his lost province. But his first efforts were
unsuccessful; and before he could renew them Vitellius put himself at
the head of his legions, and marching towards the Euphrates threatened
Mesopotamia with invasion. Placed thus between two fires, the Parthian
monarch felt that he had no choice but to withdraw from Armenia and
return to the defence of his own proper territories, which in his
absence must have lain temptingly open to an enemy. His return caused
Vitellius to change his