Page:Political History of Parthia.pdf/77

Rh who fled again with the same friend but was caught almost within the boundaries of his own kingdom. He was led again to Phraates, who refused to see him but returned him to his wife and children. To keep Demetrius amused and make him ashamed, the Parthian king presented him with a pair of golden dice.

In the meantime Antiochus VII Sidetes (139/38–129 ), having disposed of Tryphon, his rival to the Syrian throne, and defeated the Jews, prepared to secure his brother Demetrius and so remove him as a potential menace to his throne. He set out in 130 {{sc|b.c.]] with a large force, the size of which made a great impression upon later historians. The Parthian army, whose strength was likewise greatly exagger- {{smallrefs}}