Mithridatic dynasty

Mithridatic dynasty
Coin of Mithridates VI
Parent house	Pharnacid dynasty (?)
Country	Kingdom of Pontus Bosporan Kingdom
Founded	281 BC
Founder	Mithridates I Ktistes
Current head	Extinct
Final ruler	Pharnaces II of Pontus
Titles	King of Pontus King of the Cimmerian Bosphorus
Dissolution	47 BC 37 BC last ruler (Arsaces of Pontus, Roman-appointed) Rhescuporis VI

The Mithridatic dynasty, also known as the Pontic dynasty, was a hereditary dynasty of Persian origin,^[1][2][3][4] founded by Mithridates I Ktistes (Mithridates III of Cius) in 281 BC.^[3] The origins of the dynasty were located in the highest circles of the ruling Persian nobility in Cius.^[3] Mithridates III of Cius fled to Paphlagonia after the murder of his father and his predecessor Mithridates II of Cius, eventually proclaiming the Kingdom of Pontus, and adopting the epithet of "Ktistes" (literally, Builder).^[5][6] The dynasty reached its greatest extent under the rule of Mithridates VI, who is considered the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus.^[7]

They were prominent enemies of the Roman Republic during the Mithridatic Wars during the reign of Mithridates VI until the late 60s BC.^[3] In 48 BC, the Roman client king of the Crimea, Pharnaces II, attempted to press his claim on Pontus, but was decisively defeated by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Zela.^[8]

The Mithridatids reached their greatest extent under the rule of Mithridates VI, who conquered the neighboring territories of Colchis and Trapezos, as well as succeeding in becoming ruler of the Bosporan Kingdom after the death of Paerisades V.

This however, did not last long. His son and successor was ousted from rule of the Pontic Kingdom after his defeat at Zela, leaving only the Bosporan Kingdom under direct Mithridatid control, who nonetheless also was ousted from power by the general Asander.

The dynasty, through Dynamis, the daughter of Mithridates VI, and her offspring, would continue to rule the Bosporan Kingdom until 342 AD. The Bosporan Kingdom would remain the longest lasting client-state of the Roman Empire. Their descendants include:

• Mithridates III, who opposed Roman rule during the Roman-Bosporan War.
• Cotys I, who supported the Romans against his brother Mithridates.
• Sauromates II, who expanded the kingdom and inflicted serious injuries to the Scythian and Siracian tribes.
• Rhescuporis VI, the final ruler of the Bosporan Kingdom who died in 342 AD.

• Dueck, Daniela (2002). Strabo of Amasia: A Greek Man of Letters in Augustan Rome. Routledge. ISBN 978-1134605613. The independent Pontic dynasty originated in the highest circles of the ruling Persian nobility in Cius.