Li Yuan vs Toghrul Beg

Li Yuan, Duke of Tang, rebelled against the Sui dynasty and captured Chang'an. He declared himself Emperor Gaozu, founding the Tang dynasty that would rule China for nearly 300 years.

Li Yuan's son Li Shimin defeated the rival warlord Dou Jiande at Hulao Pass. This victory eliminated a major competitor and secured Tang control over the central plains.

After the Xuanwu Gate Incident where Li Shimin killed his brothers, Li Yuan abdicated the throne to his son. He became Taishang Huang (retired emperor) and lived in retirement.

Toghrul Beg led the Seljuk Turks to victory over the Ghaznavid Empire at Dandanaqan in Khorasan. This defeat forced the Ghaznavids to retreat eastward, granting the Seljuks control of Khorasan and establishing their power base in Persia.

Toghrul Beg launched a major raid into Byzantine Anatolia, reaching as far as the city of Manzikert. Although he did not capture the city, the campaign demonstrated Seljuk military strength and foreshadowed future conflicts that would lead to the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.

Toghrul Beg entered Baghdad at the invitation of the Abbasid Caliph al-Qa'im, who sought protection from the Buyid dynasty. Toghrul deposed the Buyid ruler, married the caliph's daughter, and was granted the title 'Sultan', becoming the de facto ruler of the Islamic world.

Toghrul's half-brother Ibrahim Inal rebelled against his authority, allying with the Fatimid Caliphate. Toghrul defeated and executed Ibrahim Inal, consolidating his power and eliminating a major internal threat to Seljuk unity.