[The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 6. (of 7): Parthia by George Rawlinson]@TWC D-Link book
The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 6. (of 7): Parthia

CHAPTER VII
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135), baffled all his efforts; but at last, in B.C.133, he was forced to submit, to acknowledge the authority of Syria, to dismantle Jerusalem, and to resume the payment of tribute.
Sidetes then considered the time come for a Parthian expedition, and, having made great preparations, he set out for the East in the spring of B.C.

129.
It is impossible to accept without considerable reserve the accounts that have come down to us of the force which Antiochus collected.
According to Justin, it consisted of no more than 80,000 fighting men, to which was attached the incredible number of 300,000 camp-followers, the majority being composed of cooks, bakers, and actors.

As in other extreme cases the camp-followers do but equal or a little exceed the number of men fit for service, this estimate, which makes them nearly four times as numerous, is entitled to but little credit.

The late writer, Orosius, corrects the error here indicated; but his account seems to err in rating the supernumeraries too low.

According to him, the armed force amounted to 300,000, while the camp-followers, including grooms, sutlers, courtesans, and actors, were no more than a third of the number.


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