Edward III of England vs Yang Guang

Edward III declared himself King of France, challenging Philip VI's claim. This began the Hundred Years' War, a prolonged conflict over the French throne and English territories in France.

Edward III's English army defeated a larger French force at the Battle of Cr

Edward III besieged the French port of Calais for nearly a year. The city surrendered, and Edward took control, making it an English stronghold for over two centuries.

Edward III's son, the Black Prince, defeated and captured King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers. This victory led to the Treaty of Br

Edward III signed the Treaty of Br

Emperor Yang Guang ordered the construction of the Grand Canal, linking the Yellow River and Yangtze River. The project mobilized millions of laborers and created a vital waterway for grain transport and trade, but the immense human cost led to widespread resentment and rebellion.

Yang Guang launched three massive military campaigns against the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo. The first invasion in 612 ended in catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Salsu, with hundreds of thousands of Chinese soldiers killed. The repeated failures drained the treasury and sparked widespread revolts.

While Yang Guang was campaigning against Goguryeo, the noble Yang Xuangan launched a major rebellion in the rear. The revolt was suppressed, but it exposed the fragility of Sui rule and encouraged further uprisings across the empire.

As rebellions engulfed the empire, Yang Guang was strangled to death in Jiangdu by his own guards led by Yuwen Huaji. His death marked the effective end of the Sui dynasty, which collapsed shortly after, leading to the rise of the Tang dynasty.