,
Anatolia,
Armenia, and
Mesopotamia Shahin is first mentioned in 602, after the outbreak of the
Byzantine–Sasanian War of 602–628, where he commanded the forces invading
Byzantine territory in the
Transcaucasia, winning a battle against
Domentziolus near
Theodosiopolis in 607/8. Following the expulsion of Roman forces from that region, in 611 Shahin led an advance into
Anatolia, capturing
Caesarea. There,
Phocas' son-in-law
Priscus, started
a year-long siege to trap them inside the city. However, Shahin's troops unexpectedly escaped Priscus' blockade and burned Caesarea, much to Prisucs' embarrassment and
Heraclius' displeasure. In 613 the Roman offensive pressed on into
Syria, but the combined Persian armies under Shahin and
Shahrbaraz crushingly defeated Heraclius near
Antioch. After this victory the Persians looted the city, slew the Patriarch of Antioch and deported many citizens. Roman forces lost again while attempting to defend the area just to the north of Antioch at the
Cilician Gates, despite some initial success. The Persians then captured
Tarsus and the Cilician plain. This defeat cut the Byzantine empire in half, severing Constantinople and Anatolia's land link to Syria, Palestine,
Egypt, and the
Exarchate of Carthage. Khosrau was not content to let Heraclius quietly rest in Albania. He sent three armies, commanded by Shahin,
Shahrbaraz, and
Shahraplakan, to try to trap and destroy Heraclius' forces. Shahraplakan retook lands up as far as
Siwnik, aiming to capture the mountain passes. Shahrbaraz was sent to block Heraclius' retreat through
Caucasian Iberia, and Shahin was sent to block the
Bitlis Pass. Heraclius, planning to engage the Persian armies separately, spoke to his worried
Lazic,
Abasgian, and Iberian allies and soldiers, saying: "Do not let the number of our enemies disturb us. For, God willing, one will pursue ten thousand." After this victory, Heraclius crossed the Araxes and camped in the plains on the other side. Shahin, with the remnants of both his and Shahraplakan's armies joined Shahrbaraz in the pursuit of Heraclius, but marshes slowed them down. At Aliovit, Shahrbaraz split his forces, sending some 6,000 troops to ambush Heraclius while the remainder of the troops stayed at Aliovit. Heraclius instead launched a surprise night attack on the Persian main camp in February 625, destroying it. Shahrbaraz only barely escaped, naked and alone, having lost his
harem, baggage, and men. ==Death==