The Caliphate's forces have undertaken regular, almost annual raids into imperially held Asia Minor since the failure of the last Arab attempt to conquer the imperil capital Constantinople.

In 782, a major invasion, led by the Abbasid heir apparent, the future Harun al-Rashid, had resulted in a humiliating settlement for the Empire, which had been forced to sue for a truce in exchange for an annual payment of one hundred and sixty thousand gold nomismata.

In 785, Empress-regent Irene had resolved to cease the payment of the tribute, and warfare had recommenced.

The Arabs raided the Armeniac Theme, but in early 786, the Empire retaliated by sacking and razing to the ground the fortress town of Hadath in Cilicia, which the Abbasids had spent the last five years turning into a major stronghold and military base for their cross-border expeditions.