Page:Political History of Parthia.pdf/162

116 was nearly destroyed by Pharnapates, the Parthian commander who was defending it. At the critical moment Ventidius came up with reinforcements and turned the tide in favor of the Romans. Pharnapates and most of his detachment were slain. Pacorus evidently then withdrew from Syria late in 39, and the country was occupied by Ventidius. Fighting continued sporadically in many quarters; Aradus offered prolonged resistance, and Ventidius encamped near Jerusalem for some time, though he did not attack the city. When he departed he left a detachment under Silo in the vicinity and turned northward to reduce those cities which still remained pro-Parthian.

Early in the spring of 38 Pacorus gathered his army together and again invaded Syria while the legions of Ventidius were yet in winter quarters beyond the Taurus in Cappadocia. The situation was none too free from danger of general uprising, for many of the Roman governors had mistreated the sub-