The country was defended by the Parthian satrap with a small force; but this was easily defeated, the satrap himself receiving a wound.

One Greek city only, Zenodotium, offered resistance to the invader; its inhabitants, having requested and received a Roman garrison of one hundred men, rose upon them and put them barbarously to the sword; whereupon Crassus besieged and took the place, gave it up to his army to plunder, and sold the entire population for slaves.

He then, as winter drew near, determined to withdraw into Syria, leaving garrisons in the various towns.

The entire force left behind is estimated at eight thousand men.
It is probable that Orodes had expected a more determined attack, and had retained his army near his capital until it should become evident by which route the enemy would advance against him.

Acting on an inner circle, he could readily have interposed his forces, on whichever line the assailants threw themselves.