The Tiber floods over its banks in the spring of 162, destroying much of Rome, drowning many animals, and leaving the city in famine.

Marcus and Lucius give the crisis their personal attention.

In other times of famine, the emperors are said to have provided for the Italian communities out of the Roman granaries.

Fronto's letters continue through Marcus' early reign.

Fronto feels that, because of Marcus' prominence and public duties, lessons are more important now than they had ever been before.

Fronto again reminds his pupil of the tension between his role and his philosophic pretensions.

The early days of Marcus' reign are the happiest of Fronto's life: his pupil is beloved by the people of Rome, an excellent emperor, a fond pupil, and, perhaps most importantly, as eloquent as could be wished.

Marcus had displayed rhetorical skill in his speech to the senate after an earthquake at Cyzicus.

It had conveyed the drama of the disaster, and the senate had been awed.

Fronto is hugely pleased.

Over the winter of 161–62, as more bad news arrives—a rebellion is brewing in Syria—it is decided that Lucius should direct the Parthian war in person.

He is stronger and healthier than Marcus, the argument goes, more suited to military activity.

Lucius' biographer suggests ulterior motives: to restrain Lucius' debaucheries, to make him thrifty, to reform his morals by the terror of war, to realize that he was an emperor.

Whatever the case, the senate gives its assent, and Lucius leaves.

Marcus will remain in Rome.

Furius Victorinus, one of the two praetorian prefects, is sent with Lucius, as are a pair of senators, M. Pontius Laelianus Larcius Sabinus and M. Iallius Bassus, and part of the Praetorian Guard.

Victorinus had previously served as procurator of Galatia, giving him some experience with eastern affairs.

Moreover, he is far more qualified than his praetorian partner, Cornelius Repentinus, who is said to owe his office to the influence of Pius' mistress Galeria Lysistrate.

Repentius has the rank of a senator, but no real access to senatorial circles—his is merely a decorative title.

Since a prefect has to accompany the Guard, Victorinus is the clear choice.

Laelianus had been governor of both Pannonias and governor of Syria in 153; hence he has firsthand knowledge of the eastern army and military strategy on the frontiers.

He is made comes Augustorum ("companion of the emperors") for his service.

Laelianus is, in the words of Fronto, "a serious man and an old-fashioned disciplinarian".

Bassus had been governor of Lower Moesia, and is also made comes.Lucius selects his favorite freedmen, including Geminus, Agaclytus, Coedes, Eclectus, and Nicomedes, who gives up his duties as praefectus vehiculorum to run the commissariat of the expeditionary force.

The fleet of Misenum is charged with transporting the emperor and general communications and transport.