Devastation

Incensed by the stubborn, protracted resistance put up by the Arabs, on entering the city the Byzantine army went on the rampage. Though possibly prone to exaggeration, Arab sources tell of tens of thousands of casualties, confirming the brutality of events. In the wake of its capture, the town presented a truly tragic spectacle. In addition to the enormous destruction wrought during the siege and capture, numerous Arab buildings and fortifications were leveled by the Byzantines so as to be replaced by new ones. Chandax in its Arab form was wiped off the map.