Mithradates VI Eupator

known as Mithradates the Great
(Latin; Born of a Noble Father)

Mithradates VI, bust in the Louvre, Paris

(credit: Cliche Musees Nationaux, Paris)

(died 63 BC, Panticapaeum) King of Pontus (120–63 BC) and enemy of Rome. As a boy he was coruler with his mother from c. 120, then overthrew her to become sole ruler in 115. He gradually conquered areas along the western and southern regions of the Black Sea. He waged three wars against Rome, called the Mithradatic Wars (88–85, 83–82, 74–63). Though he originally seemed a champion to Greeks seeking relief from the Roman threat, his defeat by Sulla (86) destroyed that hope. When it became necessary, he extorted money and supplies from his Greek territories in Asia Minor. Greek revolts led to cruel reprisals. Greece turned to Rome after 86 but suffered under the harsh demands of both until Mithradates was conclusively defeated by Pompey. He was one of the few leaders to successfully challenge Roman expansion in Asia.