of Rome; and we may
assume therefore that peace was preserved, and that the Parthian monarch
acquiesced, however unwillingly, in the curtailment of his territory.
Probably internal, no less than external, difficulties pressed upon him.
The diminution of Parthian prestige which had been brought about by the
successive victories of Trajan, Avidius Cassius, and Severus must have
loosened the ties which bound to Parthia the several vassal kingdoms.
Her suzerainty had been accepted as that of the Asiatic nation most
competent to make head against European intruders, and secure the native
races in continued independence of a wholly alien power. It may well
have appeared at this time to the various vassal states that the
Parthian vigor had become _effete_, that the qualities which had
advanced the race to the leadership of Western Asia were gone, and that
unless some new power could be raised up to act energetically against
Rome, the West would obtain complete dominion over the East, and Asia
be absorbed into Europe. Thoughts of this kind, fermenting among the
subject populations, would produce a general debility, a want both of
power and of inclination to make any combined effort, a desire to wait
until an opportunity of acting with effect should offer. Hence probably
the deadness and apathy which characterize this period, and which seem
at first sight so astonishing. Distrust of their actual leader paralyzed
the nations of Western Asia, and they did not as yet see their way
clearly towards placing themselves under any other guidance.

Volagases IV. reigned till A.D. 208-9, dying thus about two years before
his great adversary, who expired at York, February 4, A.D. 211.

CHAPTER XXI.

_Struggle between the two Sons of Volagases IV., Volagases V.
and Artabanus. Continued Sovereignty of both Princes. Ambition of
Caracallus. His Proceedings in the East. His Resolve to quarrel
with Parthia. First Proposal made by him to Artabanus. Perplexity
of Artabanus. Caracallus invades Parthia. His Successes, and Death.
Macrinus, defeated by Artabanus, consents to Terms of Peace. Revolt of
the Persians under Artaxerxes. Prolonged Struggle. Death of Artabanus,
and Downfall of the Parthian Empire._

On the death of Volagases IV., the Parthian crown was disputed between
his two sons, Artabanus and Volagases. According to the classical
writers, the contest resulted in favor of the former, whom they regard
as undisputed sovereign o