In the early 210s, a civil war broke out in the Parthian Empire, where Artabanus V rose up against his brother Vologases VI. Artabanus quickly established control of most of the western territories, bringing him into contact with the Roman Empire.[2] At this point, the Roman emperor Caracalla, who considered himself a second Alexander, decided to take advantage from the Parthian conflict. He proposed an alliance to Artabanus, and even asked to marry his daughter.[3] When the alliance was agreed upon, Caracalla with his army entered Mesopotamia unopposed, ostensibly to meet his ally and future father-in-law.[4] But when he came upon Artabanus and his court, Caracalla treacherously attacked and slew many of them.[5] Artabanus escaped, but the Romans were free to plunder the lands east of the Tigris before returning to Edessa for the winter.