Tuoba Tao vs Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz

Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei (Tuoba Tao) conquered the last rival state, Northern Liang, unifying all of northern China under the Northern Wei dynasty. This ended the Sixteen Kingdoms period and established Northern Wei as the dominant power in the north.

Emperor Taiwu issued an edict suppressing Buddhism, ordering the destruction of monasteries, scriptures, and images. He favored Daoism and sought to reduce Buddhist influence on state affairs. This was the first major persecution of Buddhism in Chinese history.

Emperor Taiwu was assassinated by his eunuch Zong Ai, who feared punishment for his misdeeds. The assassination plunged Northern Wei into a succession crisis, but Zong Ai was soon killed by other officials, and a new emperor was installed.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz became the eighth Umayyad caliph after the death of Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik. His reign, though short, was marked by significant reforms and a departure from the policies of his predecessors.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz ordered the withdrawal of Umayyad forces from the prolonged and unsuccessful siege of Constantinople. This decision ended a costly military campaign and shifted focus to internal consolidation and reform.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz implemented sweeping tax reforms, abolishing the jizya (poll tax) for non-Muslims who converted to Islam and ensuring equal treatment of all subjects. He also ordered the return of confiscated lands and property to their rightful owners.