Justin II vs Qin Er Shi

Justin II, seeking to restore Roman prestige, refused to pay the annual tribute to the Sassanid Persians and initiated a war. The conflict initially went poorly for the Byzantines, leading to the loss of the fortress of Dara and a heavy defeat.

Overwhelmed by military defeats and the loss of Dara, Justin II suffered a period of insanity. He became incapable of ruling, leading to the appointment of Tiberius II as Caesar and regent.

In a moment of lucidity, Justin II formally adopted Tiberius, the commander of the excubitors, as his son and appointed him Caesar. This act ensured a stable transition of power and placed a capable ruler in charge of the empire.

After Qin Shi Huang's death, Zhao Gao and Li Si forged a decree to force the crown prince Fusu to commit suicide and installed Huhai as Qin Er Shi. This illegitimate succession undermined the dynasty's legitimacy and placed an incompetent ruler on the throne.

Chen Sheng and Wu Guang led a rebellion of conscripted farmers at Dazexiang, sparking widespread revolts across the Qin empire. Qin Er Shi's harsh policies and heavy taxation had created widespread discontent, and the uprising quickly spread, leading to the dynasty's collapse.

Zhao Gao falsely accused Chancellor Li Si of treason. Qin Er Shi ordered Li Si's execution by the Five Pains method, along with his entire family. This removed the last capable administrator from the Qin court, accelerating the dynasty's decline.

Zhao Gao, fearing Qin Er Shi's anger over military defeats, staged a coup and forced the emperor to commit suicide. Zhao Gao then installed Ziying as the new king. This event marked the effective end of Qin rule, as Ziying surrendered to Liu Bang shortly after.