Greek Pontic Kingdom 120-63 BC Mithradates VI Gold Stater Choice AU – Series VI

Mithradates VI expanded his kingdom to control much of the Black Sea region and parts of Anatolia

Mithradates is best known for his role in the Mithradatic Wars, a series of three conflicts with Rome spanning his reign. His initial successes, including the orchestrated massacre of up to 80,000 Roman and Italian settlers in Asia Minor in 88 BC, demonstrated his threat to Roman dominance in the East. Despite his military prowess, Mithradates ultimately could not withstand the Roman military machine, facing defeat by generals such as Sulla, Lucullus, and Pompey the Great.

Facing betrayal by his own son, Pharnaces II, and cornered by Roman forces, Mithradates VI chose to commit suicide in 63 BC, ensuring he would not be captured alive by the Romans.