Armenia was naturally defended from enemies. With both the Greater Caucusus, and Lesser Caucusus mountain ranges in its borders, it was very difficult to break into its borders. As you can see from the map, the only entrance lies within the south and southeastern parts of the region. This is why one of the four major rivers played such an important role during this time. The rivers are theKura, Araks (Araxus), Tigris, and the great Euphrates. The Euphrates allowed entrance from the south from Syria or Mesopotamia into Armenia, and also served for invading the neighbors to the south of Armenia.
Armenia’s climate is among the more severe in the area. Winter dominates ten months out of the year with excessive snow fall and extreme cold temperatures, not to mention the numerous avalanches also. The remainder of the year, two short months, is visited by a warm, humid climate. The Roman troops at one point marched through one fathom of snow, which equals six feet! Numerous members of the army found it not uncommon to loose fingers, toes, hands, and feet from the bitter cold. One evening, as Corbula and his army were resting for the night, a tremendous snow fell upon them. The snow was so deep, and the cold so extreme, that in the morning it completely covered the soldiers. The horses were affected so much that they were hardly able to stand because of the immense numbness throughout their bodies. In fact, many men begged for someone of rank to take their lives rather than be forced to endure the elements any longer.