Second Mithridatic War facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Second Mithridatic War |
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| Part of the Mithridatic Wars | |||||||||
 Bust of King Mithridates VI of Pontus |
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Roman Republic | Kingdom of Pontus | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Lucius Licinius Murena | Mithridates VI of Pontus Gordius of Cappadocia |
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The Second Mithridatic War was a short conflict. It happened between 83 BC and 81 BC. This war was one of three wars fought between the Kingdom of Pontus and the powerful Roman Republic. King Mithridates VI of Pontus led the Pontic side. The Roman general Lucius Licinius Murena led the Roman forces.
Contents
How the War Started
After the First Mithridatic War, Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla made a quick peace deal. Sulla had to return to Rome. He needed to deal with his political enemies there. The peace treaty allowed King Mithridates to keep his Kingdom of Pontus. However, he had to give up his claims to Asia Minor. He also had to respect the borders from before the war.
Murena's Role in Asia
Murena was a Roman general, or legate, under Sulla. He was in charge of two Roman legions in Asia. These legions had been led by another general before. Murena was stationed in Phrygia, a region that was now part of the Roman lands. He might also have been in charge of Cappadocia. Cappadocia was a kingdom allied with Rome.
Murena's Suspicions
A historian named Appian wrote about this war. He said Murena marched into Cappadocia. He then attacked Comana, a town belonging to Mithridates. Murena suspected Mithridates was getting ready for war. Mithridates was building a fleet and raising an army. He was planning to deal with a rebellion. This rebellion was by tribes near the Cimmerian Bosphorus.
Murena also noticed that Mithridates had not given all of Cappadocia back to its king. This king, Ariobarzanes I, was a Roman ally. These actions made Murena think Mithridates was preparing for war against Rome.
Mithridates' Complaints
Mithridates sent messengers to Murena. They reminded Murena about the peace treaty. Murena said he did not see any written treaty. He claimed Sulla had not written it down. Murena then began to loot the area. After that, he went back to Cappadocia for the winter.
Mithridates sent messengers to Rome to complain. In 82 BC, Murena took 400 villages from Mithridates. Mithridates did not fight back. He waited for his messengers to return from Rome. Murena returned to Phrygia and Galatia with lots of stolen goods.
A messenger from the Roman Senate finally reached Murena. The Senate ordered Murena to leave Mithridates alone. They said Mithridates had not broken the treaty. However, the messenger did not bring an official written order. He also spoke to Murena alone. This made Murena's actions seem less clear.
Fighting Begins
Murena ignored the Senate's message and invaded Mithridates' territory. Mithridates thought Rome had ordered this attack. He sent his commander, Gordius, to fight back. Gordius attacked Roman villages. He took many animals and much property.
Murena's Defeat
Mithridates himself arrived and a fierce battle took place. Murena's forces were defeated. Murena fled back to Phrygia. Mithridates' army chased him. This defeat caused many states in Asia Minor to switch sides. They had been allied with Rome, but now supported Mithridates. Mithridates then drove all Roman soldiers out of Cappadocia.
Peace is Restored
Sulla was very unhappy about this war. He believed Mithridates had not broken the peace treaty. So, Sulla sent a Roman official named Aulus Gabinius. Gabinius's job was to tell Murena to stop fighting. This order was to be taken seriously.
Gabinius then arranged a meeting. Mithridates and Ariobarzanes I met to make peace. Mithridates even promised his four-year-old daughter to Ariobarzanes. They agreed that Ariobarzanes would keep the part of Cappadocia he had. He would also get another part. Murena was then called back to Rome.
Another Account of the War
Another historian, Mennon, wrote about the war too. He said Murena ignored Mithridates' messengers. Mennon also said Murena made Ariobarzanes king of Cappadocia. Murena also founded a city called Licinia near Pontus.
Mennon wrote that Murena and Mithridates both tried to get the city of Heracleia as an ally. But Heracleia said they could barely protect themselves. Some of Murena's advisors wanted him to attack Sinope. They thought if he took Sinope, other towns would join Rome. Mithridates protected Sinope with a large army. At first, Mithridates had an advantage in battle. Then the fight became even. This made both sides less eager for war. Mithridates went further east, and Murena returned to Asia.
The Second Mithridatic War was followed by the Third Mithridatic War.
