In after times it was said that C.Cassius Longinus and some other officers were opposed to this movement, add foresaw its danger; but it must be questioned whether the whole army did not readily obey its leader's order, and commence without any forebodings its march through Upper Mesopotamia.

That region has not really the character which the apologists for Roman disaster in later times gave to it.

It is a region of swelling hills, and somewhat dry gravelly plains.

It possesses several streams and rivers, besides numerous springs.

At intervals of a few miles it was studded with cities and villages; nor did the desert really begin until the Khabour was crossed.