Eastern Policy of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (160-181) and Arshakid Armenia

In 113 the Roman emperor Trajan organized eastern campaign and he was the first of the Romans who came to the Persian Gulf. All the conquered territory, including the Arshakid Armenia, have been declared the provinces. After Trajans death emperor Hadrian settled the issue of the Armenian throne, coming to consensus with Parthia and Armenia. As a result, Vagharsh I became the ruler of Armenia. Problem of Armenian king again become the premier on the agenda at the start of the government of the next emperor Antoninus Pius. Ultimately, the preference was given to Sohem. The situation in the east remained unchanged until 161, when in Rome Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was succeeded on the throne after Antoninus Pius. Coronation of Marcus Aurelius coincided with invasion of Parthian troops to Great Armenia. Invaded to the territory of Great Armenia Parthian army captured the capital Artashat, the king Soham- Tigran run away and Parthians proclaimed Bakur as a king of Armenia. To the east of Rome situation became critical, so the emperor Marcus Aurelius sent his co-ruler and brother Lucius Verus. In Antioch arrived famous generals Obadiah Kasy, Statius Prisk and Mari Ver. Empire refused relative truce established by the emperor Antoninus Piyem. If Rome would go to the talks, the Parthians would agree to a truce, because their internal situation was extremely difficult. In 163, the was captured capital Artashat, and in 164 was captured Parthian capital Ctesiphon. The sole purpose of the Romans was a statement protege on the throne of Great Armenia. On behalf of March Soham-Tigran was released from captivity and returned to Armenia from Parthia. It was the second coronation of Soham-Tigran. In the appointment of the Armenian kings center of gravity gradually leaning towards Rome. The primacy of Rome opinions in this matter strengthened in the III century, and in IV century received the final and legitimate form. Thus, Great Armenia became the mainstay for the empire in the east. So with the help of Great Armenia Rome had to implement all their plans for the east in general. In fact, if before the agreement the Armenian-Roman border was only by the extreme western part of Great Armenia, now both states have become bordering also on the south-western segment of Armenia. What could mean all these changes? First of all, the empire was driving the Parthians from the eastern Mediterranean Basin of Southwest Asia and in that territory claimed its sole dominion. Secondly, Rome tried to lengthen the Armenian - Roman border line, seeking more opportunities to surround Armenia and thus make it dependent. Under this agreement, it turned out that Armenia had the longest border with Rome. After the war in Great Armenia the political center of the country removed: Vagharshapat was declared the capital.

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