Explanation: In the endless back-and-forth between the Roman Empire and Persia (under both Parthian Arsacid and Sassanid rule), the mountain kingdom of Armenia was a constant target of the Great Power machinations of the two larger polities. Today Armenia is the vassal of Rome; tomorrow, the vassal of Persia, and Armenia gets no say in the matter. All changes with the winds of war, back and forth, back and forth... poor Armenia!