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Location: Silchester > Calleva Atrebatum Hampshire United Kingdom

The caliph's teenaged son, Harun al-Rashid, has …

Years: 783 - 783

The caliph's teenaged son, Harun al-Rashid, has led a number of charges against the Romans, his several victories enabling the Muslims' westward advance.

Reaching the Bosporus in 783, the Muslims defeat the Romans at Nicomedia (Izmit of Kocaeli).

Trapped on his return march, he is rescued by the defection of the imperial general Tatzates, with many of his men.

His defection, however, is kept secret for a while, allowing Harun to seize the imperial envoys, Staurakios among them, who had come to negotiate a truce.

The Abbasid commander was thus able to dictate harsh terms to Empress-regent Irene of Athens, who promises tribute.

Harun appoints Tatzates as governor of Armenia.