Third Mithridatic War
The Third Mithridatic War (73–63 BC) was the final and decisive conflict between the Roman Republic and Mithridates VI of Pontus. It ended nearly three decades of intermittent warfare in Asia Minor and the Black Sea region. The war concluded with the defeat of Mithridates, the expansion of Roman power in the East, and the rise of Pompey the Great as Rome’s pre‑eminent commander.
This war is the most famous of the three Mithridatic Wars and marked a major turning point in Roman imperial history.
Background
Mithridates VI had already fought two major wars against Rome:
- First Mithridatic War (89–85 BC)
- Second Mithridatic War (83–81 BC)
Both conflicts weakened Roman authority in Asia Minor and emboldened Mithridates to continue resisting Roman expansion.
By 74 BC, tensions escalated again when Rome annexed Bithynia, provoking Mithridates to invade the new province.
Early Phase (Lucullus, 73–68 BC)
The Senate appointed Lucius Licinius Lucullus to command the war. Lucullus achieved several major victories:
- defeated Mithridates at Cyzicus (73 BC)
- drove Pontic forces out of Asia Minor
- invaded Pontus
- pursued Mithridates into Armenia
Lucullus then campaigned against Mithridates' ally, King Tigranes II of Armenia, winning:
Despite these successes, Lucullus faced:
- mutinous troops
- political opposition in Rome
- difficulty maintaining supply lines
His command was eventually undermined by domestic politics.
Rise of Pompey (66 BC)
In 66 BC, the Lex Manilia transferred command of the war to Pompey the Great. Pompey reorganized the Eastern provinces and launched a decisive campaign against Mithridates.
Pompey’s achievements included:
- defeating Mithridates’ remaining forces
- driving him north into the Caucasus
- subduing Tigranes of Armenia
- reorganizing Asia Minor, Syria, and Judea
- establishing lasting Roman authority in the East
Pompey’s settlement of the East became the foundation of Roman provincial administration for decades.
Defeat and Death of Mithridates
After suffering repeated defeats, Mithridates fled to the Bosporan Kingdom (modern Crimea). He attempted to raise another army but faced rebellion from his own son, Pharnaces II.
Mithridates VI died in 63 BC, ending the long struggle between Rome and Pontus.
Pompey’s Eastern Settlement
Pompey’s reorganization of the East included:
- annexation of Syria
- establishment of Roman client kingdoms
- settlement of Judea after the Hasmonean Civil War
- creation of stable provincial boundaries
- expansion of Roman taxation and administration
This settlement marked the beginning of sustained Roman dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Significance
The Third Mithridatic War resulted in:
- the final defeat of Mithridates VI
- expansion of Roman power into Asia Minor, Armenia, Syria, and Judea
- the rise of Pompey as Rome’s leading general
- the consolidation of Roman imperial policy in the East
- the end of major resistance to Roman expansion in the region
The war also contributed to the political tensions that later produced the First Triumvirate and the civil war between Caesar and Pompey.
Primary Sources
Major ancient sources for the war include:
- Appian, Mithridatic Wars
- Plutarch, Life of Lucullus
- Plutarch, Life of Pompey
- Cassius Dio, Roman History
- Sallust (fragments)