Cao Ren vs Gaius Marius

Cao Ren commanded a portion of Cao Cao's forces during the campaign against Sun Quan and Liu Bei. After Cao Cao's defeat, Cao Ren was left to defend Jiangling against Zhou Yu's siege, holding out for over a year before retreating.

Cao Ren defended Jiangling against Zhou Yu's siege. He personally led sorties and inflicted heavy casualties on Wu forces. After a prolonged campaign, Cao Ren abandoned the city under orders from Cao Cao, retreating to Xiangyang.

Cao Ren led a Wei force against Sun Quan at Ruxu. The campaign ended in a stalemate, with Cao Ren unable to decisively defeat the Wu navy. He withdrew after failing to capture the enemy fortifications.

Cao Ren defended Fancheng against Guan Yu's siege. Despite being surrounded and facing flooding from the Han River, Cao Ren held out until reinforcements led by Xu Huang arrived and broke the siege, forcing Guan Yu to retreat.

After Cao Pi became emperor, Cao Ren was appointed Grand Marshal and given command of Wei's southern forces. He continued to oversee defenses against Wu, maintaining stability along the border until his death.

As consul, Marius opened military service to landless citizens, replacing the property-based levy with a volunteer army. He standardized equipment and training, creating a professional standing army loyal to commanders rather than the state.

Marius defeated the Teutones and Ambrones at Aquae Sextiae in Gaul. The Germanic tribes were annihilated, ending their invasion of Roman territory and securing Marius's reputation as a savior of Rome.

Marius, with proconsul Catulus, defeated the Cimbri at Vercellae in Cisalpine Gaul. The Cimbri were destroyed, ending the Cimbrian War and securing Rome's northern frontier.

Marius served an unprecedented sixth consulship amid political turmoil. He used force to suppress the tribune Saturninus and praetor Glaucia, but later lost support and went into exile in Africa.

Marius returned from exile, allied with Cinna, and marched on Rome. He captured the city and initiated a purge of his political enemies, including the execution of consul Octavius and many senators.