Ashina Qutlugh vs Romanos I Lekapenos

Ashina Qutlugh led a revolt against the Tang dynasty's control over the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. He gathered Turkic tribes and launched attacks on Tang garrisons, initiating the restoration of Turkic independence.

Ashina Qutlugh proclaimed himself Ilterish Qaghan, founding the Second Turkic Khaganate. This title asserted his authority over the Turkic tribes and marked the formal re-establishment of the khaganate.

Ilterish Qaghan conducted a series of military campaigns against Tang China, raiding border prefectures and defeating Tang forces. These campaigns secured the khaganate's borders and extracted tribute from Tang.

Ilterish Qaghan unified the fragmented Turkic tribes under his rule, incorporating the Tiele, Sir-Tardush, and other groups into the khaganate. This consolidation created a stable base for the Second Turkic Khaganate.

Ilterish Qaghan died in 692, succeeded by his brother Qapaghan Qaghan. His death ended the founding phase of the Second Turkic Khaganate, but his legacy continued through the Orkhon inscriptions.

Romanos I led successful campaigns against the Abbasid Caliphate, recapturing several fortresses in eastern Anatolia. His general John Kourkouas achieved notable victories, including the capture of Melitene in 934.

Romanos I Lekapenos, a naval admiral, was appointed co-emperor by the young Constantine VII. He gradually sidelined Constantine and became the de facto ruler. His rise marked the beginning of the Lekapenos dynasty's dominance.

Romanos I negotiated a peace treaty with Tsar Peter I of Bulgaria, ending decades of war. The treaty included a marriage alliance between Peter and Romanos' granddaughter Maria. This brought stability to the Balkan frontier.

Romanos I was overthrown by his own sons Stephen and Constantine, who forced him to become a monk. He was exiled to the island of Prote and died in 948. His sons were soon overthrown by Constantine VII.