Mithridatic Wars

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There were three Mithridatic Wars between Rome and Pontus in the first century BC. They are named for Mithridates VI who was King of Pontus at the time, and a famous enemy of Rome.

• First Mithridatic War (88 to 84 BC). Roman legions commanded by Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Significant battles included the Battle of Chaeronea and the Battle of Orchomenus in 86 BC. The war ended with a Roman victory, and the Treaty of Dardanos in 85 BC.
• Second Mithridatic War (83 to 81 BC). Roman armies commanded by Lucius Licinius Murena. The war ended inconclusively after a Roman defeat, and withdrawal on Sulla's orders.
• Third Mithridatic War (75 to 63 BC). Roman armies led by Lucius Licinius Lucullus (75 to 66 BC) then by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (66 to 63 BC). War ended with defeat and subsequent suicide of Mithridates VI in 63 BC.

The force of the Kingdom of Pontus was destroyed, Rome affirmed its power on Anatolia.