 There is no archaeological evidence of Slavic or Avar incursions during this time.While the lack of Byzantine action or presence may have encouraged the Avars, they did not attack Byzantine territory until , when Emperor Heraclius () withdrew his troops stationed in the Balkans in order to fend off the Persian advance in the East.The Avars, who were likely encouraged by their successful campaigns against the Lombards in 610 and the Franks in 611, resumed their incursions some time after 612.