Decebalus vs Sun Quan

Decebalus led Dacian forces in a war against the Roman Empire under Emperor Domitian. The Dacians invaded Moesia, defeating the Roman governor and forcing Domitian to send reinforcements. The war ended in a negotiated peace.

Decebalus signed a treaty with Emperor Domitian that recognized Dacia as a client kingdom. Rome agreed to pay annual subsidies and provide military engineers, while Decebalus promised to respect Roman borders.

Emperor Trajan launched a major invasion of Dacia, beginning the Second Dacian War. Decebalus resisted fiercely, using guerrilla tactics and fortifications, but was gradually pushed back by the superior Roman army.

Decebalus fought Trajan's forces at the Battle of Tapae, a bloody engagement that resulted in a Roman victory. The Dacians suffered heavy losses but managed to retreat in good order, prolonging the war.

Roman forces besieged and captured Sarmizegetusa, the Dacian capital. The city was destroyed, and Decebalus's treasury was seized. The fall of the capital marked the end of Dacian resistance.

Decebalus committed suicide by cutting his own throat to avoid capture by Roman pursuers. His head was taken to Rome and displayed on the Gemonian stairs. Dacia was annexed as a Roman province.

Sun Quan allied with Liu Bei to defeat Cao Cao's invasion at Red Cliffs. Zhou Yu commanded Sun Quan's fleet, using fire ships to destroy Cao Cao's larger navy. This victory preserved Sun Quan's independence and established the tripartite division of China.

Cao Cao launched a naval invasion against Sun Quan's fortress at Ruxu. Sun Quan personally led a small reconnaissance force that was surrounded, but he broke out. The battle ended in a stalemate, with Cao Cao withdrawing, securing Sun Quan's control of the Yangtze.

Sun Quan declared himself Emperor of Wu, establishing the Eastern Wu dynasty. This formalized the Three Kingdoms period, with Wu controlling the Yangtze River basin. Sun Quan's reign lasted until 252, making him the longest-ruling of the three founding emperors.