Lucius Quietus vs Sima Zhao

Lucius Quietus led a contingent of Moorish cavalry from North Africa in Emperor Trajan's campaigns against Dacia. His skilled horsemen played a key role in several battles, earning him a reputation as a formidable commander and imperial favor.

During Trajan's Parthian campaign, Quietus was tasked with crushing the Jewish revolt that erupted in Mesopotamia. He conducted brutal reprisals, destroying rebel strongholds and executing thousands, temporarily restoring Roman authority in the region.

Emperor Trajan appointed Lucius Quietus as governor of Judaea, likely to continue suppressing Jewish unrest. His harsh administration further inflamed tensions, and he was one of the few equestrian governors of the province, reflecting his high status.

Shortly after Hadrian's accession, Lucius Quietus was executed along with three other senior senators. They were accused of plotting against the new emperor, though the charges may have been pretextual, aimed at removing potential rivals.

The Wei general Zhuge Dan rebelled in Shouchun against Sima Zhao's regency. Sima Zhao led a massive army to besiege the city. After a year-long siege, Shouchun fell, and Zhuge Dan was executed, solidifying Sima Zhao's control over Wei.

The Wei emperor Cao Mao attempted a coup against Sima Zhao but was killed by Sima Zhao's subordinate Jia Chong. Sima Zhao then installed Cao Huan as a puppet emperor, further demonstrating his control over the imperial court.

Sima Zhao ordered a three-pronged invasion of Shu Han, led by Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Zhuge Xu. Deng Ai's surprise march through the Yinping mountains forced the surrender of Shu. This conquest eliminated the last major rival state and paved the way for the Jin dynasty.

Sima Zhao died in 265 without formally usurping the throne. His son Sima Yan forced the abdication of Cao Huan and founded the Jin dynasty. Sima Zhao was posthumously honored as Emperor Wen of Jin, recognizing his role as the dynasty's founder.