Mithridatic Wars

The three wars (89-63 BCE) between Rome and Mithridates VI of Pontus for control of Anatolia and Greece.

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1. 89 BCE
   First Mithridatic War

   Rome fights Mithridates VI of Pontus in Anatolia and Greece, 89-85 BCE. Sulla wins the battles but must settle by the Treaty of Dardanos in 85: Mithridates keeps his kingdom; the Senate never ratifies it.

   Roman RepublicSullaMithridatic WarsHellenistic kingdoms📍 Pontus
2. 88 BCE
   Asiatic Vespers: Romans massacred in Asia

   In 88 BCE Mithridates VI of Pontus overruns the province of Asia and orders the killing of Romans and Italians. Ancient sources give 80,000 to 150,000 dead, likely exaggerated.

   Roman RepublicMithridatic Wars📍 Roman province of Asia📍 Pontus
3. 86 BCE
   Sulla takes and sacks Athens

   In 86 BCE Sulla storms Athens, which had joined Mithridates, and the city is heavily damaged and looted. He then wins at Chaeronea and Orchomenus, ending Pontic control of Greece.

   Roman RepublicSullaMithridatic WarsGreek city-statesAthens📍 Athens
4. 66 BCE
   Pompey takes the Eastern command

   The Lex Manilia of 66 BCE gives Pompey command against Mithridates VI. He beats him at the Lycus, makes Tigranes of Armenia a Roman ally while Mithridates flees to the Crimea.

   Roman RepublicPompeyMithridatic Wars📍 Pontus
5. 63 BCE
   Mithridates VI dies; the Third Mithridatic War ends

   Cornered in the Crimea by a revolt of his son Pharnaces, Mithridates VI dies in 63 BCE after a failed suicide attempt. Pontus becomes Roman and the Third Mithridatic War ends.

   Roman RepublicPompeyMithridatic WarsHellenistic kingdoms📍 Pontus