Tactic

• PostEagle
• April 24, 2017
• Word Etymology
• 0 Comments

The word for today is – TACTIC – which comes from the Greek word – TAKTIKOS – meaning a plan or procedure for promoting a desired end or result.

In 20 B.C. Augustus aimed to do a deal with king Frhata of Parthia (Iran). His tactic was to rum a diplomatic campaign alongside the threat of a military one.

A pretender to the Parthian throne had kidnapped one of Frahata’s sons and escaped with him to Rome.

Augustus had sent the boy back to his father on the condition that all the Roman standards and any surviving prisoners of war were returned. He now invited Frahata to live up to his side of the bargain.

The king handed over the standards and the prisoners. Relations between the two empires moved from glacial to cautiously warm. Although the Roman people would have preferred a military victory this was a great diplomatic achievement of which Augustus was extremely proud.