Battle of Nineveh (627) - The Battle

The Battle

Rhahzadh deployed his forces into three masses and attacked. Heraclius feigned retreat to lead the Persians to the plains before reversing his troops to the surprise of the Persians. After eight hours of fighting, the Persians suddenly retreated to nearby foothills, but it was not a rout. 6,000 Persians fell.

Nikephoros' Brief History mentions that Rhahzadh challenged Heraclius to personal combat. Heraclius accepted and killed Rhahzadh in a single thrust; two other challengers fought and also lost. But either way, Rhahzadh died sometime in the battle.

The 3,000 Persian reinforcements arrived too late and likely joined with the remnants of Rhahzadh's force.

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