Khosrow II vs Vitellius

Khosrow II's Sassanid forces captured Jerusalem after a three-week siege. The Persians took the True Cross and other Christian relics to Ctesiphon, causing a major psychological and religious shock to the Byzantine Empire.

Khosrow II's armies completed the conquest of Egypt, a vital grain-producing province of the Byzantine Empire. This gave the Sassanids control over the eastern Mediterranean and severely weakened Byzantine resources.

Khosrow II coordinated a joint Sassanid-Avar siege of Constantinople. The city was defended by the Byzantines under Emperor Heraclius. The siege failed, marking a turning point in the war and beginning the Sassanid decline.

The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius defeated the Sassanid army at the Battle of Nineveh. Khosrow II's forces were routed, and the Byzantines advanced toward Ctesiphon, forcing the Sassanids to sue for peace.

Khosrow II was overthrown in a coup led by his son Kavadh II and the Sassanid nobility. He was imprisoned and executed shortly after. His death ended the Sassanid golden age and plunged the empire into a period of civil war and decline.

Vitellius's forces defeated Otho's army at the First Battle of Bedriacum. The victory allowed Vitellius to enter Rome and be recognized as emperor by the Senate. His reign was marked by lavish spending and unpopularity.

Vitellius was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Germania Inferior after the death of Galba. He was the governor of the province and had the support of the Rhine legions. His claim was challenged by Otho, leading to civil war.

Vitellius was captured and killed by Vespasian's supporters in Rome. He was dragged through the streets and executed, and his body was thrown into the Tiber. His death ended the Year of the Four Emperors and established the Flavian dynasty.