Roman Aims
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·        Simialr misunderstanding of roman aims – doubtful late antiquity wanted to extend control far beyond Tigris as would have doe in 298/99  0 Julian’s expedition should not be seen as an attempt to conquer Persia – chance remark Ammianus implies limited aim of returning in 363 – aim: regaining initiative in East after Shapur’s recent successes by forcing him onto defensive

·        Can see why Khurso does not perceive this – Julian accompanied by fugitive Sasanian Prince – Hormizd who, according to reports, he planned to place on throne.  Memories of Trajan annexations, Roman advances on Ctesiphon by Cassius, Severus, Carus, Galerius and Julian must have exercise power over perception of intent .

·        Older Emperors not help Justin II dismisses Persian envoy saying overthrow K and new king – also believing Romano-Turk alliance beat Persia

·        Roman-Persian relations – pervaded by mutual suspicion and fear of intention, major invasions should be seen as pre-emptive in aim, attempts to keep one another off balance and on the defensive.  Yes booty and prisoners and subsidiary motives, mutual recognition parity of status.  Respect not equal trust – equality in diplomatic protocol reinforce recognition of potential threat – neither has ambition to acquire territory beyond strategically crucial north Mesopotamian plain, failure of both to appreciate this meant there remained potential for warfare.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Aims
2. At the interface - The frontier Regions
3. Geographical Knowledge
4. Personnel
5. Resources for Foreign Relations, Records
6. Roman Aims
7. Sasanian Persia
8. Strategic Intelligence in relations with Persia

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