Only seven hundred and thirty were made prisoners; and of these no fewer than seven hundred and twelve were found to be wounded.

The remaining five hundred threw themselves into the citadel, and there resisted to the last extremity, refusing all terms of capitulation, and maintaining themselves against an overwhelming force, until at last by sword and fire they perished to a man.
The siege of Petra was prolonged far into the winter, and the year A.D.
551 had begun ere the resistance ceased.

Could the gallant defenders have maintained themselves for a few more weeks, they might not improbably have triumphed.

Mermeroes, the Persian commander of two years previously, took the field with the commencement of spring, and, at the head of a large body of cavalry, supported by eight elephants, began his march to the coast, hoping to relieve the beleaguered garrison.
Unfortunately he was too late.

On his march he heard of the capture of Petra, and of its complete destruction by Bessas, who feared lest the Persians should again occupy the dangerous post.