Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/198

 of one from every hundred of the population. He then caused a monument to be erected there commemorating his conquest, with a suitable inscription engraved upon it in Greek characters, and forthwith returned to Armenia. Khosrove, after the custom of the Armenian monarchs, then began to add improvements to his kingdom, erecting cities, towns, and villages, and adorning them with palaces, caravansaries, and other public buildings. In imitation of the persecution of the Jews by Pharaoh, this prince compelled all the Christians he found ia his dominions to labour at these works, giving them but what was barely sufficient to support life as a remuneration. Many were put to death by him oa account of their faith, and thus obtained the glorious crown of martyrdom. At this time the emperor Antoninus Caracaila A.D.3ir. came into Mesopotamia, and thence passed into Armenia. Khosrove, apprised of his approach, set out to meet him, supposing that he came with a friendly intention. After remaining a few days with him, the king wished to return, but the emperor, who had a secret desiga of taking possession of Armenia, prevented him. When the Armenians heard that their king was detain^ ed captive, they assembled in large force, and made a hostile march towards the Romans. , Antoninus observing this, and not choosing ta

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