Cato the Elder vs Pharnabazus II

Cato served as consul and led a campaign in Hispania Citerior, suppressing a rebellion. He used harsh tactics, including mass executions, to pacify the region, and later boasted of his victories in his writings.

Cato the Elder served as censor, implementing strict moral reforms to combat luxury and corruption. He expelled senators for immorality, taxed luxury goods, and promoted traditional Roman values, earning the nickname 'Censorius'.

Cato wrote 'Origines', the first history of Rome in Latin. The work covered the founding of Rome and the early Republic, emphasizing Roman virtues and the importance of agriculture, and influenced later Roman historiography.

Cato opposed the influence of Greek culture on Rome, arguing it undermined Roman values. He led a campaign to expel Greek philosophers from Rome and promoted traditional Roman education and customs.

Cato ended every speech in the Senate with 'Carthago delenda est' (Carthage must be destroyed). His persistent advocacy for war against Carthage influenced Roman policy and contributed to the outbreak of the Third Punic War.

Pharnabazus II succeeded his father as satrap of Dascylium (Hellespontine Phrygia). He governed this strategic region during the Peloponnesian War, using its resources to influence Greek affairs.

Pharnabazus II allied with Sparta during the Peloponnesian War, providing financial and naval support to the Spartans against Athens. This alliance helped Sparta build a fleet that challenged Athenian naval dominance.

Pharnabazus II fought against Athenian forces in the Hellespont region, including the Battle of Cyzicus in 410 BC where the Athenian fleet defeated the Spartan-Persian fleet. This setback weakened Persian influence temporarily.

After the Peloponnesian War, Pharnabazus II shifted Persian policy, supporting Athens against Sparta to prevent Spartan hegemony. He provided funds to the Athenian general Conon, helping rebuild the Athenian fleet.