Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos sent his troops in order to expand the empire.

Many Armenian noblemen from Western Cilicia left Thoros' control and joined the Byzantine troops.

Byzantine writer Niketas Choniates and the Armenian writer Grigor Erets claim that the Armenian troops, under the leadership of Thoros and his brothers, Stephen and Mleh, launched a surprise attack from the besieged city during a rainy night and defeated the Byzantines.

Niketas Choniates claims that the Armenian soldiers were braver and more skilled than those of the Byzantine army.

Most of the Armenian noblemen who joined the Byzantine troops were killed during the battle.