and augmented it by fresh recruits, had returned towards
the frontier, and, hearing of the danger of Arzanene, had flown to its
defence. Philippicus was taken by surprise, compelled to raise the siege
of Chlomaron, and to fall back in disorder. The Persians pressed on his
retreat, crossed the Nymphius after him, and did not desist from the
pursuit until the imperial general threw himself with his shattered
army into the strong fortress of Amida. Disgusted and discredited by his
ill-success, Philippicus gave over the active prosecution of the war
to Heraclius, and, remaining at head-quarters, contented himself with a
general supervision.

Heraclius, on receiving his appointment, is said to have at once assumed
the offensive, and to have led an army, consisting chiefly or entirely
of infantry, into Persian territory, which devastated the country on
both sides of the Tigris, and rejoined Philippicus, without having
suffered any disaster, before the winter. Philippicus was encouraged
by the success of his lieutenant to continue him in command for another
year; but, through prudence or jealousy, he was induced to intrust a
portion only of the troops to his care, while he assigned to others the
supreme authority over no less than one third of the Roman army. The
result was, as might have been expected, inglorious for Rome. During
A.D. 587 the two divisions acted separately in different quarters; and,
at the end of the year, neither could boast of any greater success than
the reduction, in each case, of a single fortress. Philippicus, however,
seems to have been satisfied; and at the approach of winter he withdrew
from the East altogether, leaving Heraclius as his representative, and
returned to Constantinople.

During the earlier portion of the year A.D. 588 the mutinous temper
of the Roman army rendered it impossible that any military operations
should be undertaken. Encouraged by the disorganization of their
enemies, the Persians crossed the frontier, and threatened Constantina,
which was however saved by Germanus. Later in the year, the mutinous
spirit having been quelled, a counter-expedition was made by the Romans
into Arzanene. Here the Persian general, Maruzas, met them, and drove
them from the province; but, following up his success too ardently, he
received a complete defeat near Martyropolis, and lost his life in the
battle. His head was cut off by the civilized conquerors, and sent as a
trophy to Maurice.

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