The year 931 opened with a string of Arab victories. In March the Arab general, Munis, led three successful raids into Roman territory from his base at Tarsus. At the same time a fleet of eleven warships set sail to attack the Empire from Egypt, though their fate is unknown.
Several months later, in August, another Arab army invaded Anatolia and drove all the way to Ancyra, capturing prisoners worth 136,000 dinars.
However, the Romans under their Domestic, John Curcuas, now launched a counter-offensive in the East. In response to a plea from Armenian princes, under attack by the Arabs, he marched into Ahlat (eastern Anatolia), captured a city and took a large number of captives.
Curcuas was now very close to Melitene (Malatya), one of the chief Arab cities on the frontier. Alarmed by his presence, the citizens appealed for help. In response an Arab army, led by a powerful ruler of Mosul, arrived in time to drive Curcuas back.
The Domestic was a cautious general, keen to avoid pitched battles, but also a persistent one. He returned in the following years, engaging in skirmish warfare and taking more prisoners. Finally, in 934, he crossed the border at the head of a field army of 50,000 men. They included the Armenian folk-hero, Melias, and his crack mountain fighters.
Curcuas chose his moment carefully. He launched his final offensive against Melitene at a time when the fall of the Caliph, Quahir, was occupying the Muslim world. As a result, the Domestic met with no serious opposition in his advance on the city. Most of the population fled, and Melitene surrendered on 19th April. It was quickly incorporated into the Empire and subjected to heavy tribute.
(Attached is an image of the fall of Melitene in 934)
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