Aurelian, if you will conquer, be merciful!". Whatever the reason for his clemency, Aurelian's sparing of Tyana paid off; many more cities submitted to him upon seeing that the emperor would not exact revenge upon them.
"If you conquer, be merciful," Aurelian urged. His decision to spare Tyana had a positive impact; other cities were more likely to submit after seeing that he wouldn't punish them for their allegiance.