An ancient land in Northeast Asia Minor, the coastal part of Cappadocia. In Pontus at the end of the 4th century BCE was established an independent state, founded by Mithridates I Ktistes (title of king in 281 BCE). His successors waged long wars with the nearby Greek colonial cities (Synopa, Trapezunt, Amissos).
The greatness of Pontus was initiated by Pharnaces I (approx. 185-169 BCE), who conquered Sinopa and transformed it into the capital of the state. The greatest power was Pont during the reign of Mithridates VI Eupator (turn of the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE). Pont then captured the Bosporan Kingdom, Little Armenia and Colchis.
The desire to subjugate all of Asia Minor provoked Rome’s opposition and led to the outbreak of war between Rome and Pont (three wars in the years 88-63 BCE). The clash with the expansionist-minded Rome ended with the defeat of Pontus, who was captured in 63 BCE and together with Bithynia turned into a Roman province.
