Constantius II vs Di Xin of Shang

Constantius II led Roman forces against the Sassanid Persians under Shapur II at Singara in Mesopotamia. The battle was indecisive, with heavy losses on both sides. Constantius failed to achieve a decisive victory, prolonging the Roman-Persian conflict.

Constantius II defeated the usurper Magnentius at the Battle of Mursa Major. The victory was costly, with tens of thousands of Roman soldiers killed. It allowed Constantius to reunify the Roman Empire under his sole rule.

Constantius II appointed his cousin Julian as Caesar (junior emperor) and sent him to govern Gaul. This decision was intended to stabilize the western provinces but ultimately led to Julian's rebellion and civil war.

Constantius II attempted to recapture the fortress of Bezabde from the Persians. The siege failed, and Constantius was unable to dislodge Shapur II's forces. This failure exposed the eastern frontier to further Persian incursions.

While marching east to confront the usurper Julian, Constantius II fell ill and died of a fever at Mopsuestia in Cilicia. On his deathbed, he reportedly named Julian as his successor, ending the civil war without battle.

Di Xin allegedly built a pool filled with wine and hung meat in trees, creating a 'wine pool and meat forest' for extravagant orgies. This story, recorded in later texts, exemplifies his reputation as a decadent tyrant.

Di Xin imprisoned King Wen of Zhou at Youli, a Shang prison. During his captivity, King Wen is said to have studied the I Ching. Di Xin later released him after receiving tribute, a decision that allowed Zhou to continue its rise.

Di Xin's Shang army was defeated by King Wu of Zhou at the Battle of Muye. The Shang forces, including slave soldiers who defected, were routed. This battle ended the Shang dynasty and established Zhou rule over China.

After the defeat at Muye, Di Xin retreated to the Deer Terrace Pavilion, adorned himself with jade, and set the building on fire, burning himself to death. This act became a symbol of his tyranny and the Shang dynasty's fall.