Cao Chun vs Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus

Cao Chun led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry in the siege of Xiapi against L

Cao Chun commanded the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry at Guandu. He led a charge that broke Yuan Shao's elite troops and pursued the fleeing enemy, capturing many supplies and soldiers.

Cao Chun led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry in a rapid pursuit of the Wuhuan tribes at White Wolf Mountain. His cavalry defeated the Wuhuan army and killed their leader Tadun, securing Wei's northern frontier.

Cao Chun died of illness in 210. Upon his death, Cao Cao ordered the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to be disbanded, as no other commander was deemed worthy to lead them. This ended the elite unit's existence.

Maximinus Thrax led successful campaigns against Germanic tribes along the Rhine and Danube. He defeated the Alemanni and the Sarmatians, earning the title Germanicus Maximus and securing the frontiers, though at great cost to the treasury.

After the assassination of Emperor Severus Alexander, the Pannonian legions proclaimed their commander, Maximinus Thrax, as emperor. His accession marked the first time a man of non-senatorial, barbarian background became Roman emperor.

During the Year of the Six Emperors, Maximinus marched on Italy to suppress a senatorial rebellion. He besieged the city of Aquileia, but the prolonged siege drained his army's morale and supplies, leading to his downfall.

Disillusioned by the failed siege of Aquileia and Maximinus's harsh discipline, soldiers of the Legio II Parthica assassinated him in his tent. His son Maximus was also killed, ending his three-year reign and plunging the empire into further chaos.