In an incursion into the Christian territories, in 362 the Persians took by siege the castle Bethzarbe on the Tigris, massacred the garrison and led away nine thousand souls into captivity. Among these were Heliodorus, a bishop, Dausas and Mariabus, ancient priests, besides many other priests, monks and nuns. The good bishop died on the road but first ordained Dausas bishop in his place. When they arrived on the confines of Assyria it was left to three hundred of them the option either to adore the sun or to die. Twenty-five complied with the injunction and were rewarded with portions of land for their apostacy. The other two hundred and seventy-five remained constant with the bishop Dausas and were all massacred together.