Artabazus I of Phrygia vs Corbulo

Artabazus I besieged the Greek city of Potidaea on the Chalcidice peninsula after the Persian defeat at Plataea. The siege failed, and Artabazus withdrew, marking a Persian setback in the Greco-Persian Wars.

Artabazus I was appointed satrap of Hellespontine Phrygia by Xerxes I, likely after the Persian retreat from Greece. This position made him a key Persian administrator in northwestern Anatolia, controlling the strategic Hellespont region.

Artabazus I opposed the Athenian general Cimon during the latter's campaigns in Asia Minor. Cimon's victories at the Eurymedon River and subsequent actions weakened Persian control over the Aegean coast, challenging Artabazus's satrapy.

Corbulo was appointed governor of Cappadocia and Galatia with command against the Parthians in Armenia. He reorganized the Roman army, restored discipline, and captured the Armenian capital Artaxata, installing a Roman client king.

Corbulo captured the Armenian city of Tigranocerta after a siege. The city surrendered without a major battle. Corbulo then crowned Tigranes VI as king of Armenia, a Roman client, solidifying Roman influence in the region.

After the Parthians reasserted control over Armenia, Corbulo was ordered to withdraw. He negotiated a compromise with the Parthian king Vologases I, agreeing that a Parthian prince, Tiridates, would rule Armenia as a Roman client, ending the war.

Nero, suspicious of Corbulo's popularity and military success, summoned him to Greece and ordered his execution. Corbulo was forced to commit suicide. His death removed a potential rival but also a capable general from the Roman command.