Heraclius that this position might perhaps be reached, and an effective
blow struck against the Persian power. He hastened, therefore, to cross
the mountains; and the 9th of October saw him at Chnaethas, in the low
country, not far from Arbela, where he refreshed his army by a week's
rest. He might now easily have advanced along the great post-road which
connected Arbela with Dastagherd and Ctesiphon; but he had probably by
this time received information of the movements of the Persians, and was
aware that by so doing he would place himself between two fires, and
run the chance of being intercepted in his retreat. For Chosroes, having
collected a large force, had sent it, under Ehazates, a new general,
into Azerbijan; and this force, having reached Canzaca, found itself in
the rear of Heraclius, between him and Lazica. Heraclius appears not to
have thought it safe to leave this enemy behind him, and therefore he
idled away above a month in the Zab region, waiting for Ehazates to make
his appearance. That general had strict orders from the Great King
to fight the Romans wherever he found them, whatever might be the
consequence; and he therefore followed, as quickly as he could, upon
Heraclius's footsteps, and early in December came up with him in the
neighborhood of Nineveh. Both parties were anxious for an immediate
engagement, Rhazates to carry out his master's orders, Heraclius because
he had heard that his adversary would soon receive a reinforcement.
The battle took place on the 12th of December, in the open plain to the
north of Nineveh. It was contested from early dawn to the eleventh hour
of the day, and was finally decided, more by the accident that Rhazates
and the other Persian commanders were slain, than by any defeat of the
soldiers. Heraclius is said to have distinguished himself personally
during the fight by many valiant exploits; but he does not appear to
have exhibited any remarkable strategy on the occasion. The Persians
lost their generals, their chariots, and as many as twenty-eight
standards; but they were not routed, nor driven from the field. They
merely drew off to the distance of two bowshots, and there stood firm
till after nightfall. During the night they fell back further upon
their fortified camp, collected their baggage, and retired to a strong
position at the foot of the mountains. Here they were joined by
the reinforcement which Chosroes had sent to their aid; and thus
strengthened they ve