Mithridates

the Great (134-63 B. C.), king of Pontus. His original kingdom lay on the shore of the Black Sea. He subdued surrounding peoples and drove the Roman taxgathers out of Asia Minor, expanding his kingdom to include even Athens. It cost the Romans three expensive campaigns to destroy his power. He was subjugated finally by Pompey, 63 B. C. Rather than fall into the hands of the Romans and follow the triumphal car of Pompey through the streets of Rome he took his own life. He was the most powerful opponent of Rome in the East. He was a man of great activity. He spoke several languages. Though many of his subjects adopted Greek dress and manners, his kingdom was essentially oriental. His career may be considered the last stand of the Orient against the West. History links his name with that of Hannibal. He was a man of great ability, a natural ruler, but the fates were against him. He was born in the East instead of the West.

The armor which fitted the gigantic frame of King Mithridates excited the wonder of the Asiatics, and still more that of the Italians. As a runner, he overtook the swiftest deer; as a rider, he broke in the wild steed, and was able by changing horses to accomplish 120 miles in a day; as a charioteer, he drove sixteen in hand, and gained in competition many a prize--it was dangerous, no doubt, in such sport to carry off victory from the king. In hunting on horseback, he hit the game at full gallop, and never missed his aim. His intellectual wants he satisfied by the wildest superstition--the interpretation of dreams and the Greek mysteries occupied not a few of the king's hours--and by a rude adoption of Hellenic civilization. He was fond of Greek art and music, that is to say, he collected precious articles, rich furniture, old Persian and Greek objects of luxury--his cabinet of rings was famous; he had constantly Greek historians, philosophers, and poets in his train, and proposed prizes at his court festivals, not only for the greatest eaters and drinkers but also for the merriest jester and the best singer. He prosecuted the experimental study of poisons and antidotes as an important branch of the business of government, and tried to inure his body to particular poisons.--Mommsen.