Meng Tian vs Quintus Petillius Cerialis

Meng Tian led a Qin army to defeat the Xiongnu, driving them out of the Ordos region. This victory secured the northern frontier and allowed for the expansion of Qin territory.

Meng Tian oversaw the construction and reinforcement of the Great Wall of China, connecting and extending existing walls to defend against northern nomadic tribes. This project involved hundreds of thousands of laborers.

Meng Tian supervised the construction of the Straight Road, a 700-kilometer highway connecting the Qin capital Xianyang with the northern frontier. This road facilitated military movement and communication.

After the death of Qin Shi Huang, the eunuch Zhao Gao conspired to have Meng Tian forced to commit suicide. Meng Tian complied, despite his loyalty to the Qin dynasty. His death weakened the dynasty's northern defenses.

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.