Mithridates VI Eupator Dionysus (132-63 Bc) Plaster Bust, H 49 Cm, 20th Century

Beautiful plaster bust representing MITHRIDATES VI EUPATOR DIONYSUS (132-63 BC).
In good condition, very decorative, 20th century.
Dimensions: H 49 x W 23 x D 27 cm

Steeped in Greek culture, the last king of Pontus claimed both Persian traditions through his father and Greek traditions through his mother. He quickly became the champion of the Greek cities of the Black Sea basin, which called upon him for help when the barbarian threat became too great. Mithridates thus conquered Chersonesus Taurica before extending his protectorate to the Greek kingdom of the Cimmerian Bosphorus. He embarked on a policy of expansion directed first against the neighboring kingdoms of Paphlagonia, Bithynia, and Cappadocia and implemented propaganda that presented him as a new Alexander. Quickly clashing with Roman interests, Mithridates won over the cities of Asia Minor to his cause and defeated the troops sent by Rome. This rise to power was abruptly halted by Sulla, who recaptured Athens, which had temporarily sided with Rome's rival. The three conflicts that pitted him against the captains of the Roman army, Sulla, Lucullus, and Pompey, are described by Appian in his Mithridatic Wars. Mithridates died on the acropolis of Panticapaeum, a victim of a betrayal that would inspire 17th-century French playwrights