Pg. 155

The Persians were surprised by the invasion and particularly by the speed of the advance. Chosroes as we have already pointed out, did not envisage the Byzantines invading Persia. In June he decided to recall Shahbaraz. But it was four months between the decision being made and Shahbaraz's arrival...........

Chosroes picked 40,000 men in haste and placed himself at their head, occupied position in Atropatene Media (Azerbaijan and North western Iran) from which to defend it. Heraclius crossed the Araxes, probably close to the town of Jolfa and entered the "Land of Fire', where there were many Fire Altars. He advanced burning the towns and villages.....

He marched straight on to the town of Ganzac...Shortly before it he encountered the Persian advance guard which he dispersed, killing the general in command of it. His lightning advance was irresistible.

The news of the size of the Byzantine army and dispersal of the Persian vanguard terrified Chosroes, who abandoned his army and took flight. When the Emperor had dispersed the Persian army, he entered Ganzac, a large and rich city, capital of Atropatene Media where he rested his army. He was informed Chosroes had feld to Therbaimes burning all crops and pasture of the district to hinder feeding the BYzantine troops. This was the usual Persian tactic when their enemies were advancing through the plain. He was also told that there was a great Fire Temple......Therbaimes was captured and set on fire together with the Temple..........

The pursuit of Chosroes was merciless and lasted a considerable time. At one moment they cut him off in the mountainous regions of South Media, but he finally succeeded in escaping towards Mesopotamia where he mustered a new Persian army and awaited Shahbaraz's arrival. There is very little information extant about this chase. Only the eastern chroniclers say that Ecbatana was captured.............

Next time, I'll type out the part about the three armies.