 Following the death of Emir Abu Hafs , Melitene renounced its Byzantine allegiance . After attempts to take the city by storm or subterfuge failed , the Byzantines established a ring of fortresses on the hills around the plain of Melitene , and methodically ravaged the area . By early 931 , the inhabitants of Melitene were forced to come to terms : they agreed to tributary status and even undertook to provide a military contingent to campaign alongside the Byzantines . 
