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Rh condition of the eastern legions. Tacitus says that many of the veterans scarcely knew arms when they saw them, and in some instances troops were not even supplied with armor. Those who were too old or incapacitated were sent home, and the strength of the legions was increased by levies from Galatia and Cappadocia. To these was added the X Fretensis, which was relieved in Syria by the IV Scythica, brought from Moesia. Late in 57 Corbulo felt conditions sufficiently improved so that he could move forward into Armenia, where the winter of 57/58 was spent under canvas in the bitter cold. Many of the men suffered from frozen hands and feet; but Corbulo, whose tall and commanding figure was always conspicuous, strode among them bareheaded and kept up morale with words of encouragement. Under such conditions many deserted, but desertion was effectively discouraged by the infliction of the death penalty for the first offense instead of the third as was customary. Paccius Orfitus was given command of the auxiliaries, who were distributed in garrison posts at strategic points. In spite of strict orders to the contrary, Orfitus engaged the enemy and was badly defeated.

In the spring of 58, when weather conditions improved, the campaign was resumed. Tiridates, supported by his brother Vologases of Parthia, began to