The Mithridatic dynasty, also known as the Pontic dynasty, was a hereditary dynasty of Persian origin,The Foreign Policy of Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus, by B. C. McGing, page 11Children of Achilles: The Greeks in Asia Minor Since the Days of Troy, by John Freely, page 69-70 founded by Mithridates I Ktistes (Mithridates III of Cius) in 281 BC. The origins of the dynasty were located in the highest circles of the ruling Persian nobility in Cius. 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).: "Mithridates III of Cius fled to Paphlagonia after his father was killed by Antigonus and after he defeated certain Seleucid forces. In 281 BCE he became the first king of the Pontic dynasty and thus acquired the name "Ktistes", founder." The dynasty reached its greatest extent under the rule of Mithridates VI, who is considered the greatest ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus.
They were prominent enemies of the Roman Republic during the Mithridatic Wars during the reign of Mithridates VI until the late 60s BC. In 48 BC, the Roman client king of Crimea, Pharnaces II, attempted to press his claim on Pontus, but was decisively defeated by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Zela.
History 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.
Kings of Pontus +Kings of PontusKing Reign (BC) Consort(s) CommentsMithridates I Ctistes281–266 BC Ctistes meaning BuilderAriobarzanes 266–250 BC son of Mithridates IMithridates II c.250 – c.210 BCLaodice Son of AriobarzanesMithridates III c.210 – c.190 BCLaodice Laodice may have been the daughter of Antiochus IVPharnaces I c.190 – c. 155 BCNysa Eldest son of Mithridates IIIMithridates IV Philopator Philadelphus155–150 BCLaodice Laodice was his sister-wife.Mithridates V Euergetes 150-120 BC Laodice VI Mithridates Chrestus 120-116 BC None Jointly Succeeded with brother Mithridates VI, who was forced into hiding. When brother came out Chrestus lost throne.Mithridates VI Eupator 120–63 BCMultiple Led Mithridatic Wars against Rome.Pharnaces II 63–47 BC Last direct ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus
Family tree of Mithridatids, kings of Pontus
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