BYZ08 Battle of Sarus ( April 625 AD)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Heraclius spent the rest of winter to the north of Lake Van. After a series of maneuvers, the Byzantine army under Heraclius, caught up with Shahrbaraz's army, which was heading towards the Byzantine capital, Constantinople, where plans were his forces would take part in its siege together with the Avars. 

The battlebetween Heraclius and Shahrbaraz at the Sarus River near Adana. Shahrbaraz stationed his forces across the river from the Byzantines. A bridge spanned the river, and the Byzantines immediately charged across. Shahrbaraz feigned retreat to lead the Byzantines into an ambush, and the vanguard of Heraclius's army was destroyed 
within minutes. The Persians, however, had neglected to cover the bridge, and Heraclius charged across with the rearguard, unafraid of the arrows that the Persians fired, turning the tide of battle against the Persians. Shahrbaraz expressed his admiration at Heraclius to a renegade Greek: "See your Emperor! He fears these arrows and spears no more than would an anvil!"
The battle ended in a nominal victory for the Byzantines, but Shahrbaraz withdrew in good order, and was able to continue his advance through Anatolia towards Constantinople.

War Council
Sassanid Army (Use Tan blocks)
• Leader: Shahrvaraz
• 6 Command Cards
• 4 Inspired Action tokens
• Move First

Byzantine Army (Use Purple blocks)
• Leader: Heraclius
• 6 Command Cards
• 4 Inspired Action tokens

Victory
7 Banners
Auxilia are worth 0 banners

Special Rules
*The Sarus river is impassable except at the bridge and fords
*The Sassanid Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.
*The Byzantine Medium and Heavy Cavalry units are armed with bows.