Romanos began the battle unexpectedly while the the Turks were still discussing his conditions for peace. Having limited troops, he left his camp undefended and attacked with all his forces. Partly through surprise, partly out of set tactics, the Turks withdrew, pursued by the Roman forces. More than once the Turks made a stand and captured Roman generals, then turned again to flight. The pursuit continued till the evening, when the Romans, surprised to be facing little resistance, were exhausted. Romanos was far from his camp, and only too well aware that it was undefended. He decided that he should return there by nightfall, and ordered the imperial standard to turn back