Empire of the Black Sea: The Rise and Fall of the Mithridatic World

The book "Empire of the Black Sea" provides a comprehensive history of the kingdom of Pontos, flourishing for over two hundred years in the coastal regions of the Black Sea. It explores the kingdom's origins, rulers, relationships with other powers, cultural achievements, and political and military successes, particularly under Mithridates VI. The book sets the famous reign of Mithridates VI in its wider historical context, making it an engaging and definitive account of a powerful yet little-known ancient dynasty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The kingdom of Pontos, renowned for its flourishing over two hundred years in the coastal regions of the Black Sea, emerged as one of the most significant Hellenistic dynasties, surpassing its contemporaries not founded by a successor of Alexander the Great. During its peak in the early first century BC, Pontos encompassed a vast expanse of the southern, eastern, and northern littoral, solidifying its status as a formidable force in the Hellenistic world. However, Pontos posed a significant challenge to Roman imperial expansion in the east, leading to a prolonged and violent conflict that lasted until 63 BC. It was only after numerous clashes that Rome was able to subjugate the kingdom and its charismatic ruler, Mithridates VI.

This book, written by Duane Roller, presents the first comprehensive history of Pontos in English, tracing its mythical origins in Greek literature to its intricate entanglements with the late Roman Republic. Roller delves into the reigns of Pontos' rulers, exploring their complex relationships with the powers of the eastern Mediterranean and Near East, particularly Rome. He also provides detailed discussions of Pontos' cultural achievements, a rich blend of Greek and Persian influences, as well as its political and military successes, particularly under Mithridates VI, who proved to be as formidable a foe to Rome as Hannibal.

Previous histories of Pontos have primarily focused on the career of its last ruler, setting that famous reign within its broader historical context. Empire of the Black Sea, by contrast, offers an engaging and definitive account of a powerful yet little-known ancient dynasty. Through its comprehensive exploration, Roller sheds light on the rich tapestry of Pontos' history, highlighting its significance in shaping the ancient world and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190887841