Shapur, instead of going after Pap, concentrates…
370 CE
Shapur, instead of going after Pap, concentrates his attack on the now long besieged fortress of Artogerassa, which falls in the winter of 370.
The royal treasure is captured by the Persians and Pap's mother Queen Parandzem raped and murdered.
Shapur also begins systematically persecuting the local Christians by forcing apostasy to the Mazdaite form of Orthodox Zoroastrianism.
Shapur contacts Pap, who is still in hiding and tries to persuade him to come over to his side.
Under Shapur's influence, Pap murders the duplicitous Cylaces and Artabanes and sends their heads to the shahanshah as a sign of loyalty.
In the spring of 370, Shapur prepares a massive invasion of Armenia.