The Third Mithridatic War: The Roman Republic
The Third Mithridatic war (75-63 B.C.) was the last and longest of a series of conflicts involving the Roman Republic and other regional powers. The long fought war eventually led to a total victory for the Republic, with the Pontic Kingdom who was the belligerent in the previous wars, coming to an end. The Third war was triggered by the death of the ruler of Nicomedes IV, the King of Bithynia. The Kingdom of Bithynia was to be bequeathed to the Republic, which was stated by Nicomedes IV a short time before his death. However, Mithridates VI of Pontus was not about to let the Republic absorb more land and power. Mithridates began his war preparations in 74 into the winter of 73 B.C. with the mass productions of his naval fleets, and bolstering
of his armies. The Republic was currently facing an internal issue involving Hispania and a revolt let by the renegade governor, Sertorius. Mithridates took advantage of the situation and sought aid from Sertorius, who agreed to send officers to train Mithridates forces in the Roman style. With the Republic facing an internal threat, he thought himself unopposed and ready for the mobilization of his forces. General Lucullus who was based in Cilicia, and his colleague General Cotta who was appointed to govern Bithynia, are the two major
of his armies. The Republic was currently facing an internal issue involving Hispania and a revolt let by the renegade governor, Sertorius. Mithridates took advantage of the situation and sought aid from Sertorius, who agreed to send officers to train Mithridates forces in the Roman style. With the Republic facing an internal threat, he thought himself unopposed and ready for the mobilization of his forces. General Lucullus who was based in Cilicia, and his colleague General Cotta who was appointed to govern Bithynia, are the two major