Ma Chao vs Quintus Petillius Cerialis

Ma Chao, allied with Qiang and Hu tribes, led a rebellion against Cao Cao in Liang Province. He captured the city of Chang'an and threatened Cao Cao's western flank, forcing Cao Cao to personally lead a campaign against him.

Cao Cao's army faced Ma Chao's coalition at Tong Pass. Ma Chao's cavalry repeatedly charged Cao Cao's forces, nearly killing Cao Cao himself. However, Cao Cao used a feint to cross the Yellow River and outflank Ma Chao, forcing him to retreat.

After his defeat by Cao Cao, Ma Chao fled to Hanzhong and sought refuge with the warlord Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu gave him command of troops but grew suspicious of him, leading Ma Chao to eventually leave and join Liu Bei.

Ma Chao surrendered to Liu Bei and was given command of troops. He played a key role in Liu Bei's conquest of Yi Province, and later was appointed General of the Vanguard. He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Taitai.

As legate of Legio IX Hispana, Petillius Cerialis marched to relieve the besieged colony of Camulodunum during Boudica's revolt. His force was ambushed and routed by the Iceni; Cerialis escaped with his cavalry, but the legion suffered heavy losses.

During the Year of the Four Emperors, Cerialis was sent to Gaul to crush the Batavian rebellion led by Gaius Julius Civilis. He commanded Roman forces in a series of engagements, ultimately defeating the rebels and restoring order along the Rhine frontier.

Appointed governor of Britain by Emperor Vespasian, Cerialis launched aggressive campaigns against the Brigantes in northern England. He defeated the rebel leader Venutius, captured their stronghold, and extended Roman control into what is now Yorkshire.

Petillius Cerialis held a second consulship as consul suffectus in 74 AD. This rare honor reflected his continued favor under the Flavian dynasty and his successful military and administrative career.