Mithridates V of Pontus

Mithridates V Euergetes († 120 BC in Sinope ) was the seventh king of Pontus and reigned from about 152 /151 to about 120 BC

Life

Mithridates V. was the son of Pharnakes I. He sought contacts in almost all over the Greek world to socialize. To recruit mercenaries for a powerful army he sent his army commander Dorylaus from Amisus often to Thrace, Greece and Crete. His own yard, he also sought to Hellenize. The island of Delos, he donated as Greeks friend several votive offerings. His son was the later Romans dreaded enemy Mithridates VI. As the birthplace of Sinope was, well made ​​, Mithridates V. this city instead of the previous residence Amaseia the new capital of the Pontic Empire (this already but could also be carried out under Pharnakes I. ).

Mithridates V. put the romfreundlichen course of his predecessor Mithridates IV continued and helped the world power 149-146 BC during the Third Punic War with auxiliary quotas and vessels against Carthage and 133-129 BC in suppressing the rebellion of Aristonicus in Pergamon. When it came to the distribution of the territories gained considerably, both Mithridates V. and King Nicomedes II of Bithynia, the country Phrygia incorporate their realm. Mithridates V. was able to point out the dowry which Seleucus II had once given his sister for her marriage with Mithridates II. In addition, the Pontic king made the highest offer. That's why he got the country through the consul Manius Aquillius allocated, but this deal was ultimately concluded not, as suggested, however, resistance to Rome and was prevented by Gaius Sempronius Gracchus. There succeeded Mithridates V., to be appointed by Pylaemenes of Paphlagonia to inherit his kingdom. Then the Pontic king launched an offensive against the shaken by riots Cappadocia and tied the king Ariarathes VI. by his daughter Laodice stated to him to wife.

120 BC Mithridates V. was at his residence Sinope, was assassinated by a conspiracy of his closest confidants, including perhaps even included family members. Now his wife and two sons took over, according to a testamentary provision the government.