Chapter 52: The Ruler of the East (1)
Chapter 52: The Ruler of the East (1)
When Armenia declared its unconditional surrender, Mithridates was left with no viable options. His health was deteriorating as he endured the harsh conditions of the Caucasus Mountains at over sixty years old. However, he had no intention of surrendering like Tigranes. He had always lived with pride in his resistance against Rome, and he believed it better to take his own life than to yield.
Mithridates resolved to make one final stand. He used all available resources and even mobilized his subordinates' slaves to reorganize his army. With more than 36,000 soldiers under his command, he sent an envoy to Pompey, hoping for a desperate chance.
At the time, Pompey was moving his army in two groups, seemingly indifferent to Mithridates. Six legions led by Pompey were stationed on the west side of the Euphrates River, demonstrating his commitment to the treaty with Parthia and reminding them not to forget it.
As the year turned from 66 BC to 65 BC, Mithridates' envoy arrived at Pompey’s camp.
“Mithridates sent a letter?” Pompey asked, reading the message with a snort.
“He’s proposing something?”
Pompey handed the letter to Marcus.
The envoy stiffened slightly as he glanced back, feeling it was rude to treat a king’s proposal so lightly. Pompey’s disregard seemed intentional, not out of ignorance of etiquette. Marcus found the proposal absurd.
“Mithridates acknowledges Rome’s supremacy and requests the status of an ally. Does he really expect this to be accepted?”
“That’s what I’m saying. This is ridiculous. How much does he overestimate himself?”
“The letter mentions that Mithridates has reorganized his army and still has over 36,000 troops. He believes he can mount a final resistance.”
The envoy tried to argue, but Pompey merely laughed. “That’s frightening. I wonder about the quality of those troops gathered in the mountains. How many of those 36,000 can even handle a weapon?”
The envoy had no response. Pompey was already far beyond Mithridates in status and capability. Empty threats and pride were futile.
“I have only one thing to say to your king: surrender like Tigranes II did. Then I will allow you to return as the king of Pontus.”
“Surrender is absolutely impossible for Mithridates,” the envoy replied.
“Then he’ll remain in the Caucasus until he dies. Return and tell him that.”
Pompey’s message left no room for negotiation. The envoy left, dejected.
“Are you certain? Even with more than 30,000 troops, we shouldn’t underestimate them. If we leave them behind, they might disrupt our southward advance.”
“Don’t worry. Mithridates won’t dare march south. I plan to install a new king in Pontus who will handle Mithridates for me.”
“A new king? Do you mean Mithridates’ son?”
“Yes. Parnaces will be the new king of Pontus. You should meet him and persuade him to accept Rome’s supremacy and submit. In return, promise that we will recognize him as the rightful ruler of Pontus.”
“That’s surprising. You want me to meet Prince Parnaces?”
“Yes. Given your recent successes, Pontus is relatively friendly to the Crassus family. You should be able to convince him easily.”
“I understand.”
Marcus suppressed a smile and nodded. This role was one he desired, even if it required requesting it. Despite being under Rome’s rule, Pontus remained a powerful state, and Parnaces was a young man with ambition and capability. Historically, Parnaces had rebelled against Rome during Caesar and Pompey’s civil war, using Pompey’s support as a pretext. Though he was ultimately defeated by Caesar, Parnaces’ ambition made him a valuable asset in Marcus’s plans.
Marcus turned his horse towards Pontus for the negotiations with Parnaces. Parnaces was already acting like a king in Pontus’s royal palace. He welcomed Marcus warmly in the throne room.
“Oh, I’ve been expecting you. Are you the representative of General Pompey?”
Parnaces, with a sharp chin and powerful voice, exuded ambition. Marcus, hiding his true feelings, bowed politely.
“I am Marcus Licinius Crassus II. Pompey has given me full authority for this meeting.”
“Really? So, your will is the same as General Pompey’s?”
“Indeed.”
Parnaces, familiar with Rome’s system, was surprised that someone so young held such an important role. He wondered if Pompey was deliberately underestimating him. However, upon realizing Marcus’s surname was Crassus, he understood the situation.
“I know the Crassus family well. The wealthiest and most powerful in Rome, who also served as consuls and helped our people significantly. I wish to express my gratitude.”
“We did what was necessary. Greater wealth brings greater responsibility.”
“Oh, you have a more noble character than I expected. If I ascend to the throne, I will remember your good deeds.”
Marcus smiled faintly and nodded. “If you plan to become king, we can discuss this further. Pompey considers you the most suitable successor to the throne.”
“Does he mean he will recognize my legitimacy?”
“Indeed, provided you swear allegiance to Rome. You will also need to sign a formal treaty.”
Being a friend of Rome meant acknowledging Rome’s supremacy. While not a subject state, Pontus would have to provide troops when Rome fought enemies and receive rescue if invaded. It was an offer Parnaces could not refuse.
Pontus, having waged war against Rome, was already generously being allowed to retain its autonomy.
“I have no objections to that offer. But is there anything else?”
“Yes. You must decide the fate of the former king, who will be your greatest enemy once you ascend.”
“That’s true… He will never accept me as king.”
Parnaces and Mithridates had a strained relationship. Mithridates had executed four sons he saw as threats. If Parnaces became king, Mithridates would likely try to kill him.
“Mithridates has taken refuge in a fortress near the Caucasus and is seeking help from Parthia.”
“How foolish. Parthia will ignore him.”
“Yes. He was rejected, and now there are rumors that he’s inciting tribes around the Black Sea to invade Rome.”
A sneer appeared on Parnaces’ face. The once-great hero had lost his mind. The faint fear of his father vanished.
“If he is so old, I can handle him easily. The problem is the money to raise an army…”
“If needed, I can lend you some funds at a low interest rate.”
“Really? Then I have no reason not to subdue him. I appreciate your help.”
Parnaces planned to capture Mithridates and seize his hidden wealth in Pontus. He quickly drafted a document acknowledging Rome’s supremacy and agreeing to suppress Mithridates. Rome would recognize Parnaces as the rightful ruler of Pontus and return unjustly taken territories.
As soon as Marcus left, Parnaces declared himself the legitimate ruler of Pontus and began gathering an army. He argued that Pontus would only face ruin under Mithridates. The people of Pontus, weary from decades of war against Rome, supported Parnaces. Many of Mithridates’ soldiers defected to Parnaces.
Seeing his advantage, Parnaces launched a surprise attack on his father. Mithridates, driven from his fortress, retreated into the Caucasus Mountains.
Parnaces continued to conquer cities resisting Rome, and Pompey officially declared him a friend of Rome. With this, Pompey’s expedition southward faced no obstacles. The main force stationed at the Euphrates began preparations to march again.
Unexpectedly, Pompey announced, “Marcus, you will command the detachment subduing the area near Syria.”
“What?”
The statement shocked Marcus and other legion commanders. Pompey shrugged.
“Four legions are currently subduing the south, excluding the six at the Euphrates. You will command two of them.”
“But I’m not even a legion commander…”
Other commanders voiced concerns. “Pompey, Marcus has no experience commanding a legion, let alone two. It could hinder our mission.”
“I was 18 when I first commanded a legion and by 23 had defeated the Marius faction with three legions.”
“That was possible because you are Pompey…”
“I’m not asking Marcus to wage war. I’m giving him a chance to build military merit. The Seleucid dynasty is weak. Anyone can conquer it, right?”
The legion commanders had no objections, accepting the opportunity for Marcus to gain experience in a low-risk situation. Pompey addressed Marcus directly.
“There’s a big difference between observing and commanding. Even if you stumble, the legion commanders will assist you. Don’t be too nervous.”
“Thank you for this opportunity. I will do my best.”
Marcus, thrilled by the unexpected chance, expressed his gratitude deeply. Pompey was satisfied, but a legion commander raised a concern.
“Pompey, annexing the Seleucid dynasty is straightforward, but have you received Senate approval?”
Pompey’s authority was only for the eastern front, and advancing south could be seen as tyranny.
“I’ve notified the Senate. The issue is the Seleucid dynasty’s loss of power. If we leave it, Parthia might annex it.”
“That makes sense.”
“Now is the time to solidify Rome’s influence over the Seleucid dynasty. We don’t need Senate approval for such a crucial matter. A post-report will suffice.”
Pompey had never intended to seek permission. The legion commanders valued Pompey’s orders far more than Senate approval. Pompey decided to act immediately, aligning everyone’s opinions.
Marcus set off with Spartacus to lead the two legions, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation as he prepared to command an army for the first time.