Pontos. Amisos. Mithradates VI Eupator 82-72 BC.
Bronze Æ

24 mm, 13,25 g

Head of Perseus right, wearing Phrygian cap / AMIΣOY, Pegasos grazing left; monogram to left, two monograms below.

Very Fine

SNG BM Black Sea 1213-1215; HGC 7, 239.

Mithradates VI Eupator, also known as Mithridates VI of Pontus, was a notable ruler and military leader of the ancient kingdom of Pontus in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). He was a member of the Pontic royal family and reigned as king from around 120 BC to 63 BC. Mithradates VI was a highly ambitious and resourceful ruler who sought to challenge the expanding influence of the Roman Republic in the eastern Mediterranean. He is best known for his series of wars against Rome, known as the Mithridatic Wars. His first major conflict with Rome, the First Mithridatic War (89-85 BC), was prompted by a dispute over the region of Bithynia. Mithradates sought to expand his kingdom at the expense of Rome's allies in Asia Minor. Despite some initial successes, he was eventually defeated by the Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Following the First Mithridatic War, Mithradates regrouped and launched the Second Mithridatic War (83-81 BC). He sought to take advantage of Rome's internal political turmoil, known as the Sullan civil wars. However, he was again defeated by Roman forces under Lucius Licinius Murena. Mithradates was not deterred and continued to resist Roman domination. The Third Mithridatic War (73-63 BC) saw a significant rebellion against Rome, including a massive uprising of enslaved people led by the gladiator Spartacus. Mithradates formed an alliance with Spartacus but was ultimately betrayed by his subordinate, who sought to end the alliance to continue his march to freedom. Facing Roman pressure and internal strife, Mithradates eventually fled to the Bosporan Kingdom in modern-day Crimea, ruled by his son, Pharnaces II. However, Pharnaces II conspired against his father and took over the Bosporan Kingdom. Mithradates, fearing capture and humiliation by the Romans, attempted to end his own life by poisoning but survived the attempt. In 63 BC, when pursued by Roman forces under General Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey), Mithradates' most trusted officer killed him on his orders. With Mithradates' death, the Mithridatic Wars came to an end, and the Kingdom of Pontus was annexed by the Roman Republic. Despite his ultimate defeat, Mithradates VI Eupator is remembered as a resilient and determined ruler who fiercely resisted Roman dominance in the eastern Mediterranean.