war war final conflict unlike previous wars fought hostilities initiated emperor eastern roman empire opposing allied war fought background served prelude dramatic events changed balance powers middle_east centuries come battle islamic conquest persia background following siege constantinople found politically isolated rely christian armenian branded king preferred tolerant dismal background found natural ally earlier turks turned byzantium relations persia commerce issues dispatched named andrew promised return military aid anxious secure chinese byzantine trade disrupted aftermath second war sent word emperor shall revenge enemies come troops help unit horsemen fought way delivered message byzantine camp siege early allies approached newly built stronghold gate fertile land modern day observes lightly armed militia match heavy cavalry led troops stormed thoroughly fall sack described detail armenian historian thought eyewitness event fall fortress considered sparked panic country forces withdrew capital overtook near village slain taken prisoner imposed heavy system taxation reported siege objective byzantine offensive ruler tributary persia words encircled besieged famous great trade city joined emperor mighty army called byzantine sources met walls rode emperor kissed shoulder bow return ruler called son crowned ensuing feast leaders received ample gifts shape clothes promised hand emperor daughter siege dragged progress punctuated frequent besieged claimed life king months retreated promising return autumn left young son nephew charge remaining thousand assist siege long departed leaving byzantines continue siege prompting besieged ironically referred emperor goat marriage recalled passage ram overthrown goat interpreted good sign struck southward persia december appeared bank clashed persian forces near ruins january ravaged persian capital signalling sea change persian byzantine relations conclusion triumph resume siege successfully stormed city winter swords raised advanced walls multitude climbing shoulders rose walls black shadow fell citizens lost ground narrates surrendered resistance city looted citizens persian governor georgian prince tortured death presence renowned expertise hand hand combat excelled reason attributes taking good reasons believing success encouraged designs time planned incorporate usual campaign returning instructed generals spare lives rulers nobles land come meet son surrender rule towns castles trade troops words indicate eager retain control westernmost portion grip segments way east china april determined expand control sent general little cavalry invade armenia characteristic ploy nomadic warriors ambushed annihilated persian force dispatched counter invasion turks knew respond harsh plundered cities withdrew forces
Third Perso-Turkic War