Pyrrhus of Epirus vs Wen Yang

Pyrrhus defeated a Roman army at Heraclea in southern Italy. He used war elephants to break the Roman lines. The victory was costly, with heavy losses to his own forces, establishing the pattern of Pyrrhic victories.

Pyrrhus again defeated the Romans at Asculum, but suffered such heavy casualties that he reportedly said 'Another such victory and we are lost.' This battle gave rise to the term 'Pyrrhic victory.'

Pyrrhus crossed to Sicily to aid the Greek city-states against Carthage. He captured several Carthaginian strongholds, including Eryx, and nearly drove the Carthaginians from the island. However, he failed to capture Lilybaeum.

Pyrrhus fought his final battle in Italy against the Romans at Beneventum. The battle was indecisive, but Pyrrhus's losses forced him to abandon Italy and return to Epirus. This ended his Italian campaign.

Pyrrhus was killed during street fighting in Argos, Greece, while attempting to capture the city. An old woman threw a roof tile at him, stunning him, allowing an Argive soldier to kill him. His death ended his ambitions.

During the rebellion of Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin, Wen Yang, then a young officer, charged alone into Sima Shi's camp, causing chaos and nearly capturing the Wei commander. The feat demonstrated his personal bravery but did not change the battle's outcome.

After the fall of Wei, Wen Yang surrendered to the Jin dynasty and was given a military post. He later served under Emperor Wu of Jin.

During the War of the Eight Princes, Wen Yang was executed by Sima Liang, who feared his military prowess. His death removed a capable general from the Jin court.