Stilicho vs Yeon Gaesomun

Stilicho withdrew Roman legions from Britain to defend Italy against barbarian invasions. This withdrawal weakened Roman control over Britain and contributed to the eventual abandonment of the province by the Roman Empire.

Stilicho defeated the Visigoths under Alaric I at the Battle of Pollentia (modern Pollenzo). The victory forced Alaric to retreat from Italy, temporarily saving the Western Roman Empire from Gothic invasion.

Stilicho again defeated Alaric at the Battle of Verona, forcing the Visigoths to withdraw from Italy. Stilicho negotiated a treaty with Alaric, allowing the Visigoths to settle in Illyricum, a decision that later proved controversial.

Stilicho defeated a large invasion force of Goths under Radagaisus at Fiesole (modern Florence). Radagaisus was captured and executed, and his followers were enslaved or recruited into the Roman army.

Stilicho was executed on the orders of Emperor Honorius, following accusations of treason and conspiracy with the barbarians. His death removed the Western Empire's most capable general and led to a breakdown of Roman defenses.

Yeon Gaesomun led a military coup, killing King Yeongnyu and hundreds of nobles. He installed King Bojang as a puppet ruler and assumed the position of Dae Mangniji (Supreme Commander), establishing a military dictatorship over Goguryeo.

Yeon Gaesomun refused to submit to Tang Chinese demands for tribute and recognition, asserting Goguryeo's sovereignty. His aggressive stance led to multiple Tang invasions and a prolonged war that drained both empires.

Yeon Gaesomun led the defense of Ansi Fortress against a massive Tang Chinese invasion led by Emperor Taizong. The Goguryeo forces held out for months, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the Tang army to retreat, preserving Goguryeo's independence.

Yeon Gaesomun died, leading to a power struggle among his sons. This internal division weakened Goguryeo, allowing the Tang-Silla alliance to conquer the kingdom in 668, ending its 700-year history.