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Rh posed from the Armenian throne, be replaced by the latter's brother Parthamasiris. The demand was not granted; it was not even answered, nor were the presents which accompanied it accepted.

Trajan then proceeded eastward, perhaps by sea, to Ephesus and thence through Lycia and adjoining provinces to Seleucia (in Cilicia?). From there he probably went by sea to Antioch, where he arrived early in 114. At Antioch he received messsages of friendship and gifts from Abgarus, prince of Osroene, who was attempting to preserve neutrality with both Parthians and Romans. Trajan consecrated a portion of the spoils of the Dacian Wars in the temple of Jupiter Casius, and Hadrian composed verses to accompany the offering. A trip was made to Heliopolis (Baalbek) to consult the oracle on the issue of the war.

Trajan drew his troops for the coming struggle