The siege of Chandax

Immediately after landing, Nicephorus Phocas set about building a fortified camp near the city, while Byzantine army detachments marched into the hinterland to subjugate outlying areas. The harsh winter of 960-961 affected army morale, and only the prestige associated with Phocas' name prevented total collapse. In spring, however, once supply lines to Constantinople were secured, the Byzantines prepared for the final assault. A section of the wall was sapped by means of tunnels with wooden props. At the same time, diversionary assaults were carried out to distract the defender's attention from the mines. When Phocas gave the order, his men set fire to the props, thus leading part of the ground to cave in and causing the section of wall above to collapse. Thus the Byzantines overran Chandax.