Second Mithridatic War

The Second Mithridatic War (83-82 BC) was one of three Mithridatic Wars fought between Pontus and the Roman Republic. The second Mithridatic war was fought between King Mithridates VI of Pontus and general Lucius Licinius Murena.

At the end of the First Mithridatic War, Sulla had left Mithridates in control of his kingdom of Pontus. Murena was left in Asia in command of the two legions formerly controlled by Gaius Flavius Fimbria. Murena claimed that Mithridates was re-arming, and invaded Pontus. When Mithridates defeated him, he decided it would be wise to obey Sulla's order to leave Mithridates alone. This was followed by the Third Mithridatic War.

References

*Scullard, H.H., From the Gracchi to Nero.