Aurelian vs Sun Quan

Aurelian defeated the Juthungi and Alamanni tribes who had invaded Italy, driving them back across the Danube. He also abandoned the province of Dacia, resettling its population south of the Danube to create a more defensible frontier.

Aurelian ordered the construction of a massive defensive wall around Rome, the Aurelian Walls, to protect the city from barbarian invasions. The walls were 19 kilometers long and remained in use for centuries.

Aurelian defeated the Gallic Empire under Tetricus I at the Battle of Ch

Aurelian reformed the Roman currency, introducing a new silver coin (the antoninianus) with a higher silver content to combat inflation. He also attempted to stabilize prices and improve the economy, though with limited long-term success.

Aurelian was assassinated by his own officers while on campaign against the Sassanid Empire, due to a conspiracy involving a secretary who feared punishment. His death cut short his plans for further reforms and campaigns.

Sun Quan allied with Liu Bei to defeat Cao Cao's invasion at Red Cliffs. Zhou Yu commanded Sun Quan's fleet, using fire ships to destroy Cao Cao's larger navy. This victory preserved Sun Quan's independence and established the tripartite division of China.

Cao Cao launched a naval invasion against Sun Quan's fortress at Ruxu. Sun Quan personally led a small reconnaissance force that was surrounded, but he broke out. The battle ended in a stalemate, with Cao Cao withdrawing, securing Sun Quan's control of the Yangtze.

Sun Quan declared himself Emperor of Wu, establishing the Eastern Wu dynasty. This formalized the Three Kingdoms period, with Wu controlling the Yangtze River basin. Sun Quan's reign lasted until 252, making him the longest-ruling of the three founding emperors.