Editing Scorched earth (section)

===Roman invasion of Persia===
In the year CE 363, the Emperor [[Julian the Apostate|Julian]]'s [[Julian's Persian War|invasion of Persia]] was turned back by a scorched-earth policy:

{{blockquote|The extensive region that lies between the [[River Tigris]] and the mountains of Media&nbsp;...was in a very improved state of cultivation. Julian might expect, that a conqueror, who possessed the two forcible instruments of persuasion, steel and gold, would easily procure a plentiful subsistence from the fears or avarice of the natives. But, on the approach of the Romans, the rich and smiling prospect was instantly blasted. Wherever they moved&nbsp;... the cattle was driven away; the grass and ripe corn were consumed with fire; and, as soon as the flames had subsided which interrupted the march of Julian, he beheld the melancholy face of a smoking and naked desert. This desperate but effectual method of defence can only be executed by the enthusiasm of a people who prefer their independence to their property; or by the rigor of an arbitrary government, which consults the public safety without submitting to their inclinations the liberty of choice.{{sfn|Gibbon|1788|p=158}}}}