In the 9th c. A.D. the Byzantine-Arab wars continued with unabated intensity. In general, it was a period when the Arabs largely had the upper hand, according to what is commonly said. This was also the reason why the Byzantines planned and executed a "crude" operation, in the heart of enemy territory, in Damietta, Egypt. The fanatical Muslim Arabs had significantly expanded their rule in the Mediterranean by occupying part of Sicily and, even more importantly, the strategically important mega-island of Crete.
TOY PANTELI D. KARYKA
The Arabs of Crete were supported by the Abbasid caliphate mainly through Egypt. So for the Byzantines, a successful strike against this region was absolutely desirable and logical. The Byzantines had attempted to recover Crete but failed. So the Empire changed its strategy. The aim would now be, initially, to isolate Crete by cutting off the lines of communication with Egypt and destroying the supply bases of the emirate of Crete on the North African coast.
Damieti, according to the famous Byzantine scholar Vassiliev, was "the arsenal of Crete". This arsenal had to be destroyed. Emperor Michael III, according to Arab sources, ordered the dispatch of three fleets, with a total of 300 ships, against three Arab targets in the Mediterranean. We do not know what the other two targets were, but the third was Damietta.
The Raid
A Byzantine force of 85 ships carrying 5,000 warriors set sail against Damietta. The head was "ibn Katuna", according to the Arabs, who is identified with the patrician Damianus, a close associate and "sleeper" of the emperor Michael. Although other names have been suggested instead of Damianos, they seem to have no basis. It is worth noting that the Byzantine sources do not mention much about the business in question.
During this period the Egyptian navy was in decline. The same was true of the coastal defenses with most coastal forts having been abandoned as after the successes in Crete and Sicily a false sense of security prevailed among the Muslims. Damieti, however, had a strong guard. However on May 22, 853 AD the guard had left to join in the Ramadan celebrations.
The Byzantines also took advantage of this. On that very day, apparently having accurate information, Damian and his ships appeared in front of the harbor . With lightning movements, the Byzantine soldiers disembarked and in no time the city was taken over, almost without resistance. They immediately rushed to the warehouses where they found huge quantities of armaments and supplies destined for Crete. All these were taken over and together with some women, many Coptic Christians, were taken to the ships.
The Byzantines looted and set fire to the city, most of whose inhabitants had abandoned it, disaffected... The Byzantines remained in Damietta until May 23 and then sailed away leaving behind only remnants. As if this were not enough Damiano's fleet sailed east and attacked the strong fortress of Ustun, which was also captured. In the fort there were many siege engines that were also destined for Crete and of course they were set on fire. This expedition caused terror to the Muslims and is considered one of the most successful in history.