Roman–Parthian War of 161–166

Origins to Lucius' dispatch, 161–162

Emperor Antoninus Pius, on his deathbed in spring 161, spoke of foreign kings who had wronged him. One such king, Vologases IV of Parthia, invaded the Roman client kingdom of Armenia in late summer or early autumn 161, expelling its ruler and installing his own Arsacid, Pacorus. The governor of Syria, Lucius Attidius Cornelianus, was retained past his term to avoid giving the Parthians an advantage. The governor of Cappadocia, Marcus Sedatius Severianus, was influenced by the prophet Alexander of Abonutichus, who convinced him he could easily defeat the Parthians.

Severianus led a legion, possibly the IX Hispana, into Armenia but was trapped by the Parthian general Chosrhoes at Elegeia. After a three-day campaign, Severianus committed suicide and his legion was massacred, with around 5,000–6,000 Romans killed. Threats also emerged on other frontiers, including Britain and the German provinces. He appointed Marcus Statius Priscus as the new governor of Cappadocia and Sextus Calpurnius Agricola as governor of Britain.

Lucius' dispatch and journey east, 162–163?

Over the winter of 161–62, with further bad news including a brewing rebellion in Syria, it was decided that Lucius Verus should personally direct the Parthian war. He was considered stronger and healthier than Marcus Aurelius and more suited to military activity. The senate approved, and Lucius left Rome while Marcus remained. Titus Furius Victorinus, one of the two praetorian prefects, accompanied Lucius along with senators Marcus Pontius Laelianus Larcius Sabinus and Marcus Iallius Bassus, and a detachment of the Praetorian Guard.

Victorinus had experience with eastern affairs from his time as procurator of Galatia. Laelianus had previously governed both Pannonias and Syria, giving him first-hand knowledge of the eastern army.

Bassus had been governor of Lower Moesia. Lucius also selected several favorite freedmen, including Nicomedes, who gave up his duties as praefectus vehiculorum to run the commissariat. The fleet of Misenum was charged with transporting the emperor and handling communications.

Dissipation and logistics at Antioch, 162?–165

Lucius spent most of the campaign in Antioch, wintering at Laodicea and summering at Daphne. He took a mistress named Panthea from Smyrna, described by Lucian as a woman of perfect beauty who sang and spoke Ionic Greek with Attic wit. She influenced Lucius to shave his beard, drawing mockery from Syrians. Critics accused Lucius of a luxurious lifestyle, including gambling and enjoying the company of actors.

He requested dispatches from Rome to follow his chariot teams and carried a golden statue of the Greens' horse Volucer. Fronto defended Lucius, arguing the Roman people needed such entertainments. The Syrian army had grown soft during the long peace, spending time in bars rather than quarters. Under Lucius, training was intensified: Pontius Laelianus ordered saddles stripped of padding, and gambling and drinking were strictly policed.

Fronto wrote that Lucius often marched on foot at the head of his army and personally inspected soldiers and camps, including the sick bay.

Counterattack and victory, 163–166

During the 163 campaign season, legions I Minervia and V Macedonica, under Marcus Statius Priscus, achieved success in Armenia, culminating in the capture of the Armenian capital Artaxata. Lucius took the title Armeniacus, though Marcus declined it until the following year. A new capital, Kaine Polis, replaced Artaxata in 164, located closer to the Roman border.

A new king, the Roman senator and Arsacid C. Iulius Sohaemus, was installed, possibly crowned in Antioch or Ephesus. The forces advancing on Osroene were led by M. Claudius Fronto, who had commanded I Minervia in Armenia. The most prominent general was C. Avidius Cassius, commander of III Gallica, who claimed descent from the Seleucid kings and the Julio-Claudians through his mother.

Did You Know?

• The prophet Alexander of Abonutichus carried a snake named Glycon and influenced the governor Severianus.
• Lucius Verus' mistress Panthea criticized Lucian for comparing her to a goddess, fearing she would become the next Cassiopeia.