History of Armenia, by Father Michael Chamich; from B. C. 2247 to ...

78 HISTORY or ARMENIA.
of his
officers named Appius to him, requiring
the immediate delivery of Mithridates to the
Roman State. " In the event of a refusal," says
he,
" we are prepared to commence hostilities
with you."
Tigranes replied, that it was impossible
for him to comply with the demand of the
Roman general, since Mithridates was connected
with him by ties of kindred.
With this
answer he dismissed Appius, after having
loaded him with presents.
War now became
inevitable between Tigranes and the Romans.
Mithridates was immediately put in command
of 10,000 cavalry, and dispatched with them to
Pontus.
Lucullus,
with his army, advanced upon Tigranakert
and laid siege to it.
Tigranes, hearing
this, sent 6,000 troops to the place, which, taking
the Romans by surprize, broke through their
camp, entered the city, and succeeded in rescuing
many of the king's concubines who resided
there ; and besides carried off a large quantity of
treasure, with which they returned to Tigranes.
3935; On the publishing of this exploit the Romans
5134.
were struck with shame and astonishment.
Tigranes,
havingcompleted his warlike preparation,
marched to meet Lucullus, attended by 360,000
men, all clad in iron armour. Lucullus hearing of
this was much alarmed, and having left some
troops at Tigranakert to continue the siege ad-