Cheng Pu vs Pausanias of Sparta

Cheng Pu began his military career serving Sun Jian, the founder of the Eastern Wu dynasty. He participated in Sun Jian's campaigns against Dong Zhuo during the campaign against the tyrant, establishing his reputation as a capable commander.

After Sun Jian's death, Cheng Pu transferred his loyalty to Sun Ce. He played a key role in Sun Ce's conquest of the Jiangdong region, helping to establish the foundation of the Wu kingdom through numerous battles.

Following Sun Ce's death, Cheng Pu served Sun Quan as a senior general. He provided crucial military advice and leadership during the early years of Sun Quan's rule, helping to stabilize the Wu regime.

Cheng Pu served as a senior commander under Zhou Yu in the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei against Cao Cao. The victory at Red Cliffs prevented Cao Cao's southern conquest and solidified the tripartite division of China.

Cheng Pu died of natural causes at an advanced age, having served three generations of the Sun family. His long service and loyalty were highly respected, and he was posthumously honored by Sun Quan.

Pausanias, as regent for the young king Pleistarchus, commanded the combined Greek forces against the Persian army under Mardonius. He won a decisive victory, destroying the Persian invasion force and ending the Greco-Persian Wars on the mainland.

Pausanias led a Greek fleet to capture Byzantium from the Persians. During the siege, his arrogant behavior and alleged negotiations with the Persian king led to accusations of medism (collaboration with Persia), causing his recall to Sparta.

Pausanias was recalled to Sparta and tried for medism. He was acquitted but his reputation was damaged. The allies, disgusted by his behavior, transferred leadership of the Hellenic League to Athens, leading to the formation of the Delian League.

Pausanias was suspected of plotting with the helots and the Persians. He took refuge in the temple of Athena of the Brazen House. The ephors walled him in, and he was starved to death, just before his mother was to bring him out.