Herakleios' performance was virtuosic. The fate of Rome rested on this one last army, and a single defeat in these lands, so far from Roman territory, would have spelled doom. Yet Herakleios managed to prevail in every encounter, even to sack Shahrbaraz's camp, seizing his wives and slaughtering his bodyguard. The Boar fled and survived. Herakleios retreated to Asia Minor, deserted by his Caucasian allies during the frantic pursuits. It was one of the most extraordinary years in the annals of Roman warfare, and it is a pity that we have only condensed accounts.

— New Roman Empire by Anthony Kaldellis (Page 533)