Han Xin vs Pausanias of Sparta

Han Xin led a Han army through the narrow Jingxing Pass, facing a larger Zhao force. He used a stratagem of placing his troops with their backs to a river, forcing them to fight without retreat. The Han won decisively, capturing the Zhao king.

Han Xin defeated the Qi army at the Wei River. He used a feigned retreat to lure the Qi forces across the river, then attacked them while they were crossing. This victory secured the Qi state for Han and eliminated a major rival.

After his victories, Liu Bang appointed Han Xin as King of Qi, granting him control over the conquered territory. This elevated Han Xin from general to a regional ruler, but also created tensions with Liu Bang, who feared his growing power.

Emperor Gaozu, suspecting Han Xin of rebellion, tricked him into attending a meeting and arrested him. Han Xin was demoted from king to marquis and placed under house arrest in Chang'an. This reflected the emperor's fear of powerful generals.

Han Xin was executed on charges of plotting rebellion with Chen Xi. He was killed in the palace by Empress L

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.