Antipater vs Dou Xian

Antipater was appointed regent of Macedon and Greece by Alexander the Great when Alexander left for his Asian campaign. He governed effectively, suppressing revolts in Thrace and Greece, and maintained stability in the Macedonian homeland for over a decade.

Antipater led Macedonian forces to crush a Spartan-led revolt in Greece. He defeated King Agis III at the Battle of Megalopolis, ending the last serious challenge to Macedonian control in Greece during Alexander's reign.

After Alexander's death, Antipater faced a coalition of Greek states led by Athens and Aetolia in the Lamian War. He was initially besieged in Lamia but later relieved by reinforcements. He defeated the Greeks at the Battle of Crannon in 322 BC, reimposing Macedonian hegemony.

At the Partition of Babylon after Alexander's death, Antipater was confirmed as regent of Macedon and Greece, while other generals received satrapies. This agreement established the framework for the Wars of the Diadochi.

Dou Xian served as regent for the young Emperor He of Han after Emperor Zhang's death. He dominated the court, appointing his relatives to key positions. His regency was marked by military success but also by corruption and nepotism.

Dou Xian led a Han expedition against the Northern Xiongnu at the Battle of Ikh Bayan. His forces killed over 13,000 Xiongnu and captured 200,000 livestock. The victory shattered the Northern Xiongnu confederation, ending their threat to the Han dynasty.

After the Battle of Ikh Bayan, Dou Xian erected a stone inscription on Mount Yanran (modern-day Mongolia) to commemorate the victory. The inscription, written by Ban Gu, celebrated the Han triumph and marked the furthest extent of Han military reach.

Emperor He, with the help of eunuchs, orchestrated a coup against Dou Xian in 92 AD. Dou Xian was stripped of his titles and forced to commit suicide. His family and supporters were purged, ending the Dou clan's dominance.