While Corbulo was thus preparing
for the defence of
Syria, Moneses rapidly pushed on
his forces to anticipate the rumour of his advance, but he did not any the
more find Tigranes unaware of or unprepared for his movement. He had, in
fact, occupied
Tigranocerta, a city strong from the
multitude of its defenders and the vastness of its fortifications. In
addition, the river
Nicephorius, the breadth of
which is far from contemptible, circled a portion of its walls, and a wide
fosse was drawn where they distrusted the protection of the stream. There
were some soldiers too, and supplies previously provided. In the conveyance
of these a few men had hurried on too eagerly, and, having been surprised by
a sudden attack from the enemy, had inspired their comrades with rage rather
than fear. But the Parthian has not the daring in close combat needed for a
successful siege. His thin showers of arrows do not alarm men within walls,
and only disappoint himself. The Adiabeni, when they began to advance their
scaling ladders and engines, were easily driven back, and then cut down by a
sally of our men.