Maximian vs Zhang Han

Diocletian appointed Maximian as Caesar (junior emperor) to govern the Western provinces. This was part of Diocletian's reorganization of the empire, creating a dyarchy. Maximian was given the task of suppressing revolts in Gaul and defending the Rhine frontier.

Maximian campaigned against the Bagaudae rebels in Gaul and later against the usurper Carausius in Britain. He failed to defeat Carausius, who established a breakaway empire in Britain and northern Gaul. The campaign demonstrated the limits of Maximian's military success.

Diocletian elevated Maximian to the rank of Augustus, making him co-emperor of the West. Maximian adopted the title Herculius, symbolizing his role as the active, laboring partner to Diocletian's Jovian. This formalized the division of the empire into two halves.

Maximian abdicated as Augustus alongside Diocletian in a coordinated ceremony at Milan. He retired to a villa in Lucania, but his retirement was forced by Diocletian's plan for an orderly succession. Maximian resented his loss of power and later attempted to reclaim the throne.

After multiple failed attempts to regain power, including a rebellion against Constantine, Maximian was captured at Massilia. Constantine spared his life but forced him to commit suicide. Maximian hanged himself, ending the life of the former co-emperor of the Tetrarchy.

Zhang Han, as a Qin general, led a force of convicts and slaves to defeat the rebel army of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang at Chen County. He then pursued and killed Chen Sheng, temporarily stabilizing Qin control.

Zhang Han defeated the Chu rebel army led by Xiang Liang at Dingtao. Xiang Liang was killed in the battle. This victory temporarily reversed rebel gains and restored Qin authority in the region.

Zhang Han's army was besieged at Julu by the rebel forces of Xiang Yu. After a prolonged siege and the destruction of Qin supply lines, Zhang Han's army was defeated. He surrendered to Xiang Yu.

Zhang Han surrendered his remaining 200,000 troops to Xiang Yu at Xianyang. Despite the surrender, Xiang Yu executed Zhang Han and had his army buried alive. This ended the last major Qin military resistance.