Darius I vs Liu Shan

Upon seizing the throne, Darius I suppressed widespread revolts across the empire, including in Babylon, Media, and Egypt. He recorded these victories on the Behistun Inscription, which also legitimized his rule.

Darius I divided the Persian Empire into 20 provinces called satrapies, each governed by a satrap. He standardized coinage, weights, measures, and established a postal system, creating an efficient administrative structure.

Darius I began construction of Persepolis as the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire. The city featured grand palaces and reliefs depicting tribute bearers from across the empire, symbolizing Achaemenid power.

Darius I built the Royal Road from Susa to Sardis, spanning 2,700 km. The road facilitated rapid communication and trade across the empire, with relay stations allowing messengers to travel in days.

Darius I launched a punitive expedition against Greece, resulting in the Battle of Marathon. The Persian army was defeated by the Athenians, marking the first major Greek victory in the Greco-Persian Wars.

Upon ascending the throne after Liu Bei's death, Liu Shan appointed Zhuge Liang as regent and chancellor. Zhuge Liang effectively governed Shu Han, leading military campaigns and domestic reforms while Liu Shan remained a figurehead.

Liu Shan ruled Shu Han for 40 years, the longest reign of any Three Kingdoms emperor. His reign saw the Northern Expeditions under Zhuge Liang and later Jiang Wei, but also factional infighting and eventual decline leading to surrender.

Liu Shan surrendered the Shu Han kingdom to the invading Wei army under Deng Ai, ending the state founded by his father Liu Bei. The surrender occurred after the fall of Chengdu, and Liu Shan was taken to Luoyang as a captive.