[1] In an unprecedented move, his remit also included Byzantine-controlled Syria, which was likely driven by the efforts of the emperor Heraclius to attract Armenian military support against the advancing Islamic armies.
When the marzpan of Persarmania Varaztirots II Bagratuni was in the Byzantine imperial court in Osroene, he entered into a plot against emperor Heraclius organized by his illegitimate son John Athalarichos.
[5][6] The historian John Katholikos adds that the Armenian nobles also gave him the title of Ishkhan of Armenia.
He also founded the Cathedral of Mren in order to commemorate the return of the True Cross to Jerusalem.
According to Dionysius of Tell Mahre, David was killed with many of his men, but Sebeos wrote that he was expelled by the nobility, though he does not mention that the defeat was the reason.