Avidius Cassius vs Tian Dan

Avidius Cassius, as governor of Syria, was sent to Egypt to crush the Bucolic revolt, a rebellion of native Egyptian peasants. He successfully defeated the insurgents, restoring Roman control over the vital grain-producing province.

While Marcus Aurelius was campaigning on the Danube, Avidius Cassius was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Syria, following a false rumor of Marcus's death. Cassius accepted the title, claiming rule over the eastern provinces.

After ruling for only three months and six days, Avidius Cassius was assassinated by a centurion loyal to Marcus Aurelius. His rebellion collapsed quickly, and the Senate declared him a public enemy, though Marcus later showed clemency to his family.

Tian Dan was appointed as the commander of Jimo, one of the last two Qi cities not captured by Yue Yi's forces. He organized the defense, rallied the population, and prepared for a counterattack against the Yan army.

Tian Dan used a stratagem involving cattle with burning tails to break the Yan siege of Jimo. The cattle charged into the Yan camp, causing chaos, followed by Qi soldiers. This surprise attack routed the Yan army and turned the tide of the war.

Following the victory at Jimo, Tian Dan led the Qi army in a rapid campaign to recapture all 70 cities lost to Yan. He exploited the disarray in Yan after Yue Yi's exile and restored Qi as a major power.

King Xiang of Qi enfeoffed Tian Dan as the Lord of Anping in recognition of his service in restoring Qi. This title granted him a fief and elevated his status among the nobility.