Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/99

 HISTORY OF ARMENIA. Page 54

then ruling Seleucia, hearing of the union of Artaces with the Romans, and that he governed with regal dignity, sent him a threatening message, to yield immediate subjection to him, and claiming payment of the arrears of tribute.

The latter treated the message with contempt. Antiochus hereupon determined to enforce obedience by arms. He marched with a considerable army toward Artaces, who no way intimidated, met him with the whole force of Armenia Major, assisted by other nations, with whom he was in alliance. Artaces was defeated and fled. Having no other means of opposing the conqueror, he reluctantly submitted, collecting all the treasure of Armenia Major for the payment of the other's demands. Artaces, in the meantime, suspecting that Darius had instigated Antiochus to this attack upon him, determined on taking vengeance. Darius, coming to the knowledge of this, and conscious of his inability to contend with the other, sought to appease him by gifts. A reconciliation by this means was effected; and Darius, to shew his good faith, placed his youngest son with Artaces as a hostage.

On the death of Darius, his son Morpheulices succeeded him in the government of the country of Zophs. Artaces, hearing of this event, prepared to march into Armenia Minor to