Khalid bin Walid vs Sulla

Khalid bin Walid took command of the Muslim army after three previous commanders were killed. He executed a tactical withdrawal, saving the Muslim force from annihilation by a much larger Byzantine and Arab Christian army. This action earned him the title 'Sword of Allah' from Muhammad.

Khalid bin Walid led the Muslim army against the forces of Musaylima, a false prophet, during the Ridda Wars. The battle was fierce and resulted in a decisive Muslim victory, crushing the rebellion in central Arabia and solidifying the nascent caliphate's control.

Khalid bin Walid defeated a larger Sassanid Persian army in Mesopotamia using a double envelopment tactic. This victory opened the way for the Muslim conquest of Iraq and demonstrated Khalid's strategic ingenuity against a major empire.

Khalid bin Walid, as supreme commander, led the Muslim army to a decisive victory over a large Byzantine force in Syria. The battle lasted six days and resulted in the permanent Muslim conquest of Syria and Palestine, ending Byzantine rule in the Levant.

Caliph Umar dismissed Khalid bin Walid from his command of the Muslim armies in Syria. Umar cited concerns over Khalid's growing fame and potential for fitna (civil strife), though he did not punish him. Khalid retired to Homs and died a few years later.

Sulla led his army into Rome, the first Roman general to do so, to seize control from Marius and his supporters. He declared Marius and his allies enemies of the state, establishing a precedent of military intervention in politics.

Sulla's forces defeated the Samnite and Lucanian allies of the Marians at the Colline Gate in Rome. The victory secured Sulla's control of the city and ended the civil war in Italy.

After defeating his enemies, Sulla was appointed dictator with unlimited powers. He enacted reforms to strengthen the Senate, limit tribunician power, and reorganize the courts, aiming to restore aristocratic control.

Sulla published lists of political enemies, offering rewards for their killing and confiscating their property. Thousands of Roman citizens, including senators and equestrians, were executed or exiled, terrorizing the opposition.

Sulla voluntarily resigned his dictatorship and retired to private life, an unprecedented act. He died the following year, leaving a legacy of constitutional reform and military autocracy.