Lucius Verus and the Parthian struggle
But what can a coin tell about such a tangled and complicated economic struggle? As earlier stated, one of the Roman methods was to create the so-called “client state.” This is exactly what we see on the reverse scene: a foreign high-official being crowned by the Roman emperor, Lucius Verus. Lucius is shown on the platform, sitting in the curule chair and flanked by a soldier and an official; he is thus indicating authority and power.
The newly installed high-official became an important player in the Roman-Parthian War between 161 and 166 CE. Reportedly, the Parthian king Vologases III saw his chance to invade Armenia in 161 while the change of reign to Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus was taking place. Foreign peoples would sometimes try to make use of a transition like this, seeking to increase their own power and decrease the Roman one. Vologases had expelled the ruler of the Roman-protected kingdom of Armenia and installed one of his own: Pacorus. During the same period, there were struggles elsewhere in the Empire. For example, Germanic tribes were invading the northern borders. The Romans therefore had problems settling the Parthian struggle, as their focus had to be on multiple places. Firm action was nevertheless undertaken, but the commanders in the East were not able to counter the Parthian invasion.
Thereupon, it was decided that Lucius Verus should go and directly command the armies in the East, while Marcus Aurelius had to stay in Rome. It was rumored that the idea was for Lucius Verus to return to Rome afterwards as a strong emperor, as so far he was not seen as a skilled leader nor did he have any real experience. So with a big and qualified group of staff he traveled towards the Roman armies in Syria. Although Lucius Verus had a big task ahead of him, especially in training the troops present in the area, he eventually succeeded in beating the Parthians. In 164, after what must have been an intense and bloody war, the Parthians were directly attacked and beaten by the Romans. After gaining control again in Armenia (as a protectorate), the Romans built a new capital named Kaine Polis (“New City”), which was moved 30 miles closer towards Roman territory, and they crowned a new king of Armenia, Sohaemus. Unknown to most of us, but surely known to Roman rulers at that time. Who was this guy?