The Levant Egypt North Africa Anatolia & Constantinople Border conflicts Sicily and Southern Italy Naval warfare Byzantine reconquest The Cretan expedition occurred between 911 and 912, when the Byzantine army invaded the island of Crete to recapture it, which was held by the Arabs.

The walls of Chandax were heavily fortified and large moat was established along with the stiff resistance by the garrison.

In addition to supply problems due to the large number of soldiers in the campaign, the Byzantines were constantly harassed by the Arabs outside of Chandax.

[1][4][5] News soon reached Himerios that the emperor's health was declining, prompting him to raise the siege and return to the capital.

On April, 912, the fleet sailed home and arriving at the island of Chios, he was ambushed by an Arab navy led by Leo of Tripoli and Damian of Tarsus.