Sima Yi vs Totila

Sima Yi led the Cao Wei forces to defeat the Shu Han army at Jieting, forcing Zhuge Liang to retreat. This victory prevented Shu from capturing the Chang'an region and secured Wei's western border.

Sima Yi successfully defended the city of Hefei against an Eastern Wu invasion led by Sun Quan. He repelled the Wu forces, maintaining Wei control over the Huai River region.

Sima Yi staged a coup against the regent Cao Shuang at the Gaoping Tombs. He seized control of the Cao Wei government, executing Cao Shuang and his faction. This event gave the Sima clan effective control over Wei.

Sima Yi died in 251 AD. His descendants later founded the Jin dynasty, fulfilling his ambition. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Xuan of Jin, though he never ruled as emperor himself.

Totila led a successful campaign to reconquer southern Italy from the Byzantines. He captured Naples and other key cities, using a combination of siege tactics and diplomacy. This nearly restored Ostrogothic control over the Italian peninsula.

Totila captured Rome after a long siege, exploiting a night attack. He initially planned to destroy the city but was persuaded to spare it. The capture demonstrated Ostrogothic military capability and weakened Byzantine control.

Totila's Ostrogothic fleet was defeated by the Byzantine navy at the Battle of Sena Gallica. This loss cut off Ostrogothic supply lines and allowed the Byzantines to launch a final campaign under Narses, leading to Totila's downfall.

Totila led the Ostrogothic army against the Byzantine general Narses at Taginae in central Italy. The Ostrogoths were decisively defeated, and Totila was killed in the battle. This defeat marked the end of Ostrogothic resistance in Italy.