Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus vs Zhang He

Maximinus Thrax led successful campaigns against Germanic tribes along the Rhine and Danube. He defeated the Alemanni and the Sarmatians, earning the title Germanicus Maximus and securing the frontiers, though at great cost to the treasury.

After the assassination of Emperor Severus Alexander, the Pannonian legions proclaimed their commander, Maximinus Thrax, as emperor. His accession marked the first time a man of non-senatorial, barbarian background became Roman emperor.

During the Year of the Six Emperors, Maximinus marched on Italy to suppress a senatorial rebellion. He besieged the city of Aquileia, but the prolonged siege drained his army's morale and supplies, leading to his downfall.

Disillusioned by the failed siege of Aquileia and Maximinus's harsh discipline, soldiers of the Legio II Parthica assassinated him in his tent. His son Maximus was also killed, ending his three-year reign and plunging the empire into further chaos.

Zhang He served under Yuan Shao at Guandu. After Yuan Shao's defeat, he defected to Cao Cao, bringing valuable intelligence.

Zhang He fought in the campaign against Ma Chao in the northwest. He helped secure Wei control over the region.

Zhang He led the Wei army against Shu at Jieting. He defeated Ma Su's forces, forcing Zhuge Liang's First Northern Campaign to retreat.

Zhang He pursued Zhuge Liang's retreating army at Mumen. He was ambushed by Shu crossbowmen and killed, a major loss for Wei.