QUOTE:
To Ahiram, King of Phoenicia, Lord of Tyre;
To Nilon, King of Armenia, Lord of Caucasus;
To Ilon, King of Cilicia, Heir of former King Tamnivitez;
To Eddard, King of Seleucid Empire, Lord of Mesopotamia;

Greetings from the Roman Republic!

I'm sure Your Majesties have been informed about our armies movements in Asia Minor. Although our forces are now ready to turn back to Western Mediterranean, Roman Senatus has considered necessary to clarify your respective nations the objectives of our temporary presence in the East.

I can assure you Roman Republic has no territorial interests in Asia. Our military campaign has been limited to support our allies in Egypt and the Hellenic League, attacked by Phrygia and Pontus. Now, after years of cruel conflict, honorable people of Pontus has agreed to make peace and, though Phrygian Amazons still refuse to end this war, offense has been avenged and our men will return to Italy. I hope this will clarify our intentions.

Although so far contacts between our peoples have been limited in the distance and time, with same goodwill spirit that presides current message, and to affirm commitment of the Republic for peace and cooperation, from this point on our mutual relationship is set as Neutral. Every citizen of your nations is allowed to visit roman territories and provinces, and also your merchants and trade vessels are allowed to enter our harbours in every province, asking for help and support from our magistrates and governors if necessary.

With the hope this will be first step to improve relations between our nations...

Respectfully yours,


Marcus Aurelius
Senator and Censor of the Roman Republic