Page:Political History of Parthia.pdf/292

246 Aurelius, who joined with himself Lucius Verus, the adopted son of the late emperor. Soon after the accession of the new rulers, Vologases launched his long-threatened campaign. C. Sedatius Severianus, Gallic legate of Cappadocia, took the field against him. Severianus was probably following Trajan's route northward into Armenia when he was caught by the Parthian forces under a commander named Osroes and forced into Elegia. There Severianus was besieged, and he and his troops died almost to the last man. Edessa was taken by the Parthians, and a certain Waël, son of Sahru, was placed on the throne. The Parthians then moved southward and crossed the Euphrates into Syria, where they spread terror everywhere. Since the days of Cicero the Syrians had been friendly with the Parthians, and danger of a general revolt became imminent. Attidius Cornelianus, governor of Syria, was driven back when he attempted to oppose the invaders, and thus the state of affairs became critical. It was decided