[ i8 3 ] 
having been fo clearly evinced, by the reafons above 
alledged. It may not be improper here to remark, 
that the republic of letters has been obliged with the 
publication of two of this prince’s medals ; the drft 
of which was (29) coined in the year of the Parthian 
sera 422, and the other in 425 (30). Neither of them 
however exhibits the ViSiory impreffed on the reverfe 
of mine. That fymbol, adopted by the Parthians 
in imitation of the Roman manner, muft undoubt- 
edly have alluded to fome victory, or at lead; fome 
remarkable advantage, gained by the Parthian forces 
over the Romans, a little before the piece was ftruck. 
What that advantage was, when and where obtained, 
and whether hidory confpires with the medal, in 
order to fettle this point, I am next to inquire. 
5. Monnefes, if Dr. Vaillapt (31) may be cre- 
dited, afcended the Parthian throne in the year of the 
Arfacidae 42 2, nearly coincident with the 166th of 
Christ, when M. Aurelius and L. Verus prefided 
over the Roman world. But fo far were the Par- 
thians at that time from gaining any victories over 
the Romans, that they were every where worded 
by them, and put to the rout. A Roman army, 
under the command of Avidius Caflius, had pene- 
trated into Mefopotamia and AfTyria, ravaged thofe 
provinces, laid Seleucia in afhes, taken Ctefiphon, 
and levelled the royal palace there with the ground. 
(29) J. Foy Vaill. ubi fup. p. 339. 
(30) Maffeius, in Gall, yintiqu. ghiad. Selcft. Epift. 22. p. 1 06. 
Parifiis, 1733. 
(31) J. Foy Vaill. ubi fup. p. 334, 335, 336, 339. 
according 
