aug 10, 665 - Siege of Amorium

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As the Caliphate into civil wars, Romanos saw a huge chance to counterattack, his first move was across the Bosphorus to Cyzicus, long retaken by the Roman fleet. From there he advanced inland, reaching Nicaea. This city was one of many whose garrison had been evacuated by Umar during his retreat, and also opened its gates to the returning Roman administration. Then Romanos moved to Dorylaeum, taking that city, and fortifying it. He then moved south, securing the Meander Valley before returning north near the end of 664.

It was in 665 that the first real signs of opposition appeared, as Arab raiders operating out of Amorium struck into the Meander Valley, forcing the Romanos to rush back south, fighting several skirmishes and managing to recapture a large number of Roman prisoners before the raiders were able to withdraw. The other booty they'd taken however was not recovered.

Romanos continued his pursuit after the valley was once again secured however, and in late summer he laid siege to Amorium. The city fell after a few weeks, and the garrison was allowed to withdraw rather than face an assault when they surrendered. It was too late in the season to continue the campaign, and so Amorium was fortified and a strong garrison was left in place, before Romanos once again withdrew.

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