Pausanias the Spartan vs Rashidun commander Al-Qaqa

Pausanias, as regent of Sparta, commanded the combined Greek forces at Plataea. He led the decisive victory over the Persian army under Mardonius, ending the second Persian invasion of Greece. The victory secured Greek independence.

Pausanias led a Greek fleet to capture Byzantium from the Persians. During this campaign, his arrogant behavior and alleged sympathy for Persian customs alienated the allies, leading to the transfer of leadership to Athens.

Pausanias was recalled to Sparta and tried for medism (collaboration with Persia). Although acquitted, his reputation was damaged. He returned to Byzantium without Spartan authorization, acting as a private individual.

Pausanias, suspected of plotting with the helots and Persians, took refuge in the Temple of Athena of the Brazen House in Sparta. The ephors walled him inside, and he was starved to death, ending his life in disgrace.

Al-Qaqa ibn Amr commanded a cavalry division at the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah against the Sassanid Empire. His tactical maneuvers, including a night attack, helped secure a decisive Arab victory that opened the way for the conquest of Ctesiphon and the fall of the Sassanid capital.

Al-Qaqa ibn Amr participated in the Battle of Yarmouk against the Byzantine Empire. He led a cavalry charge that exploited a gap in the Byzantine lines, contributing to the decisive Arab victory that secured Syria and Palestine for the Rashidun Caliphate.

Al-Qaqa ibn Amr was among the commanders who besieged and captured the Sassanid capital of Ctesiphon. His forces entered the city after the Persian army retreated, leading to the seizure of the royal treasury and the collapse of Sassanid resistance in Mesopotamia.