Crispus vs Tian Dan

Constantine appointed Crispus as Caesar, making him the heir apparent to the Western provinces. Crispus was given command of the Gallic frontier and later played a key role in the war against Licinius. His appointment was part of Constantine's dynastic planning.

Crispus led a Roman army to victory against the Frankish tribes along the Rhine frontier. The campaign secured the border and demonstrated his military competence. Constantine praised his son's success, and Crispus was hailed as a capable general.

Crispus commanded the Roman fleet in the Battle of the Hellespont against Licinius's navy. His victory destroyed Licinius's naval forces and allowed Constantine to cross into Asia Minor. This was a decisive moment in the civil war that ended the Tetrarchy.

Crispus was executed at Pola on the orders of his father Constantine, under unclear circumstances. The reasons remain debated, possibly involving accusations of adultery with his stepmother Fausta. His death was a major scandal in the Constantinian dynasty and led to the later execution of Fausta.

Tian Dan was appointed as the commander of Jimo, one of the last two Qi cities not captured by Yue Yi's forces. He organized the defense, rallied the population, and prepared for a counterattack against the Yan army.

Tian Dan used a stratagem involving cattle with burning tails to break the Yan siege of Jimo. The cattle charged into the Yan camp, causing chaos, followed by Qi soldiers. This surprise attack routed the Yan army and turned the tide of the war.

Following the victory at Jimo, Tian Dan led the Qi army in a rapid campaign to recapture all 70 cities lost to Yan. He exploited the disarray in Yan after Yue Yi's exile and restored Qi as a major power.

King Xiang of Qi enfeoffed Tian Dan as the Lord of Anping in recognition of his service in restoring Qi. This title granted him a fief and elevated his status among the nobility.