Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus vs Xiahou Dun

Maximinus Thrax led successful campaigns against Germanic tribes along the Rhine and Danube. He defeated the Alemanni and the Sarmatians, earning the title Germanicus Maximus and securing the frontiers, though at great cost to the treasury.

After the assassination of Emperor Severus Alexander, the Pannonian legions proclaimed their commander, Maximinus Thrax, as emperor. His accession marked the first time a man of non-senatorial, barbarian background became Roman emperor.

During the Year of the Six Emperors, Maximinus marched on Italy to suppress a senatorial rebellion. He besieged the city of Aquileia, but the prolonged siege drained his army's morale and supplies, leading to his downfall.

Disillusioned by the failed siege of Aquileia and Maximinus's harsh discipline, soldiers of the Legio II Parthica assassinated him in his tent. His son Maximus was also killed, ending his three-year reign and plunging the empire into further chaos.

Xiahou Dun served under Cao Cao during the campaign against Dong Zhuo. He was wounded by an arrow in the eye during a skirmish, an injury that defined his later appearance and reputation as the one-eyed general.

Xiahou Dun was captured by L

Xiahou Dun commanded a detachment of Cao Cao's army during the decisive campaign against Yuan Shao. He helped secure supply lines and participated in the final assault that broke Yuan Shao's forces.

Xiahou Dun led an expedition against Liu Bei but was defeated by a fire attack at Bowang. He retreated with heavy losses, a rare defeat in his career.

Cao Cao appointed Xiahou Dun as General of the Vanguard, one of the highest military posts in Wei. This reflected his trusted status and long service.

Xiahou Dun died shortly after Cao Cao's death. He was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Dangtu, honoring his decades of loyalty and service to Wei.