Mithridatic Wars in Greece: What Happened
In 88 BC, King Mithridates VI of Pontus, a powerful kingdom on the Black Sea coast of Anatolia, launched a war against Rome and swept across Roman territory in Asia Minor. According to ancient sources, he ordered the massacre of tens of thousands of Romans and Italians living in the region. Many Greeks, resentful of Roman rule and heavy taxation, welcomed him as a liberator. Mithridates then sent his forces into Greece. In Athens, a philosopher-turned-politician named Aristion persuaded the city to join him, and much of Greece followed. Rome sent the general Lucius Cornelius Sulla to restore control. Sulla besieged Athens and its port Piraeus, and after capturing them in 86 BC, he defeated Mithridates' generals in two major battles in Boeotia, at Chaeronea and Orchomenus. The war ended with the Peace of Dardanus in 85 BC, which forced Mithridates back to his own kingdom. Greece suffered terribly. Cities were plundered, sanctuaries such as Delphi and Epidaurus were stripped of treasures, and Athens never fully recovered its earlier status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Mithridatic Wars?
The Mithridatic Wars were a series of conflicts between Rome and King Mithridates VI of Pontus. The first war, from 88 to 85 BC, spread into Greece.
Who was Mithridates VI?
Mithridates VI was the ambitious king of Pontus, on the Black Sea coast of Anatolia. He was one of Rome's most dangerous enemies and presented himself as a liberator of the Greeks.
Why did Greeks support Mithridates?
Many Greeks resented Roman rule and heavy taxation. Mithridates promised freedom, and in Athens the politician Aristion persuaded the city to join him.
Who defeated Mithridates in Greece?
The Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla captured Athens and Piraeus in 86 BC and defeated Mithridates' armies at Chaeronea and Orchomenus.
How did the war affect Greece?
Greece suffered terribly. Cities were plundered, sanctuaries such as Delphi and Epidaurus were stripped of treasures, and Athens never fully recovered its earlier status.
