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98 gene, informing him that Pacorus (I), son of King Orodes of Parthia, had reached the Euphrates. Pacorus, at this time young and inexperienced, was supported in the command by Osaces, a more seasoned warrior. The troops under Pacorus consisted of a large detachment of Parthian cavalry and a considerable force of allies, some of whom may have been Arabs. Artavasdes, king of Armenia and brother-in-law of Pacorus, was reported to be contemplating an attack on Cappadocia. But Cicero, who did not quite trust Antiochus, the source of this information, decided to await further news before acting.

Since a Parthian thrust from Syria at Cilicia was expected to pass through Cappadocia, Cicero decided to advance with his legions to a point where he could be prepared to act no matter whence the attack came. On September 19, while on the march to Cilicia, Tarcondimotus, the chief Roman ally in the region beyond the Taurus, reported that Pacorus had crossed the Euphrates and camped at Tyba. A series up-