Siege of Petra (550–551)

A Siege of Petra (550–551) was conducted by the Byzantines under general Bessas against the Sasanian garrison at Petra, Lazica, during the Lazic War. Sasanian reinforcements failed to arrive in time and Petra fell after a lengthy siege. Its fortifications were also dismantled to ensure that this strategic stronghold is never going to be used by the Sasanians again.

Background
After the failure of Dagisthaeus in Petra against the Sasanians, Justinian I replaced him by Bessas as the magister militum per Armeniam, a decision that was criticized by the Byzantines due to the latter's old age and "inglorious" record during the sack of Rome (546).

Siege
The Byzantines under Bessas, allied with Sabirs, numbering 6,000 in total, started a siege against Petra in 550. The Sasanian garrison, numbering 2,600, was reportedly "brave and resolute", lengthening the siege more than a year. The Sasanians used fire pots containing sulfur and bitumen. Mihr-Mihroe and his army of cavalry and eight elephants were in their way to yet again relieve the siege on Petra, but he was too late this time. Bessas finally managed to capture Petra in spring of 551. According to Procopius, he personally attacked the walls in an act of courage despite his old age. A small remaining Sasanian force in the acropolis refused his offer of surrender, and were burned alive there. A large amount of Sasanian supplies and equipment were captured, showing that the Sasanians intended to maintain the city in their hands. Bessas then dismantled the city walls, as ordered by emperor Justinian I.

Aftermath
After Petra's fall, Mihr-Mihroe directed his force against the Byzantine forts in the area, capturing Sarapanis and Scanda. Allied with 4,000 Sabir Huns, he tried to capture the major stronghold of Archaeopolis, but, although the Dailamite fighters and the war elephants proved to be effective, the assault was eventually unsuccessful, as many of his forces died due to lack of supplies.