Gurgenes was too deeply attached to his faith to entertain these propositions for a moment.

He at once shook off the Persian yoke, and, declaring himself a vassal of Rome, obtained a promise from Justin that he would never desert the Iberian cause.

Rome, however, was not prepared to send her own armies into this distant and inhospitable region; her hope was to obtain aid from the Tatars of the Crimea, and to play off these barbarians against the forces wherewith Kobad might be expected shortly to vindicate his authority.

An attempt to engage the Crimeans generally in this service was made, but it was not successful.

A small force was enrolled and sent to the assistance of Gurgenes.