HISTORY OF ARMENIA. Page 18
the age, with bows and lances, and making a hasty and secret march toward the spot where the invaders lay, took them completely by surprise. Little resistance was made, and the Medes fled on all sides. A dreadful slaughter of them ensued, and Neuchar, being overtaken in his flight, was made prisoner and brought to Armavir, where he was nailed by the head to the fortifications of the city. Aram then subjugated that part of the territory of the Medes which lies between Armenia and Mount Zarasp. Three years after these events Armenia was invaded by Barsham, prince of the Babylonians, at the head of 40,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry. He was however quickly met by Aram and his troops, and defeated and slain. Aram immediately after this success marched toward Cappadocia, with an army of 40,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. He was gallantly opposed by Payabis, the prince of that country, who, however, was defeated and made prisoner. Aram confined his illustrious captive in an island in the Mediterranean Sea, conjectured to be Cyprus, and appointed Mishak, one of his followers, to the government of Cappadocia, ordering him to force the inhabitants to use only the Armenian language. He then returned to Armavir and made various improvements in his dominions, as well as in the condition of his
