Constans II vs Qin Er Shi

Constans II issued the Typos, an edict that forbade discussion of the Monothelite controversy. The edict aimed to end religious strife but was condemned by the Papacy and failed to restore unity.

Constans II became the last Byzantine emperor to visit Rome. He was received by Pope Vitalian and spent twelve days in the city, stripping it of many bronze ornaments and statues to be sent to Constantinople.

While residing in Syracuse, Sicily, Constans II was assassinated in his bath by a chamberlain. His death was part of a conspiracy, and his son Constantine IV succeeded him after suppressing the usurper Mezezius.

Constans II's son, Constantine IV, was actually the emperor during the first Arab siege of Constantinople. Constans II himself faced Arab raids but did not command the defense of the capital during the major siege.

After Qin Shi Huang's death, Zhao Gao and Li Si forged a decree to force the crown prince Fusu to commit suicide and installed Huhai as Qin Er Shi. This illegitimate succession undermined the dynasty's legitimacy and placed an incompetent ruler on the throne.

Chen Sheng and Wu Guang led a rebellion of conscripted farmers at Dazexiang, sparking widespread revolts across the Qin empire. Qin Er Shi's harsh policies and heavy taxation had created widespread discontent, and the uprising quickly spread, leading to the dynasty's collapse.

Zhao Gao falsely accused Chancellor Li Si of treason. Qin Er Shi ordered Li Si's execution by the Five Pains method, along with his entire family. This removed the last capable administrator from the Qin court, accelerating the dynasty's decline.

Zhao Gao, fearing Qin Er Shi's anger over military defeats, staged a coup and forced the emperor to commit suicide. Zhao Gao then installed Ziying as the new king. This event marked the effective end of Qin rule, as Ziying surrendered to Liu Bang shortly after.