Mithridates VI Eupator the Great (c. 120–60 BC)

King of Pontus (on the Black Sea coast of modern Turkey), who became the greatest obstacle to Roman expansion in the east. He massacred 80,000 Romans while overrunning Asia Minor and went on to invade Greece. He was defeated by Sulla during the first Mithridatic War in 88–84 BC, by Lucullus in the second 83–81, and by Pompey the Great in the third 74–64.

Attempts to copy Roman tactics and equipment failed to improve his army's success rate. He was finally destroyed by a rebellion headed by his son Pharnaces, committing suicide in the fortress of Panticapaeum where he was preparing to renew the struggle with Rome.