Pontic Dynasty | Mithridatic Dynasty | دودمان مهردادی | مهردادیان

Type: Historical, Royal
Most Significant: 281 BCE - 37 BCE
Region: Asia Minor, Pontus, Bosphorus
Patriarch/Eponymous Founder: Mithridates I Ctistes (the Builder)
Ethno-Linguistic Family: Iranian, Persian, Perso-Greek
Seat: Amaseia, Sinope

The House of Mithridates, also known as the Mithridatid dynasty, ruled the Kingdom of Pontus, a region located in what is now northern Turkey and the southern coast of the Black Sea. The kingdom was founded by Mithridates I Ktistes, who declared himself king in the early 2nd century BC after leading a rebellion against the Seleucid Empire, which had controlled the region since the death of Alexander the Great. The Mithridatid dynasty, which was known for its military prowess and for its cultural achievements, ruled over a large and diverse kingdom that included parts of present-day Turkey, Georgia, and the Caucasus.

Mithridates VI, who ruled from about 120 to 63 BC, is perhaps the most well-known member of the House of Mithridates. He is known for his attempts to expand the kingdom and for his conflict with Rome, which ultimately led to his defeat and the incorporation of Pontus into the Roman Empire. Despite his defeat, Mithridates VI is remembered as a hero in the region and is celebrated for his resistance to Roman rule. The legacy of the House of Mithridates can still be seen in the history and culture of the region today.

Etymology: Mithra + Dāt (Avestan: 𐬨𐬌𐬚𐬭𐬀 Miθra, Old Persian: 𐎷𐎰𐎼 Miça) commonly known as Mehr, is the Iranian deity of covenant, light, oath, justice and the sun. Dāt = Given.

Notable Figures

• Mithridates I Ktistes (The builder) (281–266 BC)

• Ariobarzanes (266 – c. 250 BC)

• Mithridates II (250 – c. 220 BC)

• Mithridates III (220 – c. 185 BC)

• Pharnaces I (185 – c. 170 BC)

• Mithridates IV Philopator Philadephos (father and brother loving) (170 – c. 150 BC)

• Mithridates V Euergetes (the Benefactor) (150 – 120 BC)

• Mithridates VI Eupator ("of noble father") (120–63 BC)

• Pharnaces II (63–47 BC)

• Darius of Pontus (39–37 BC)

• Arsaces of Pontus (37 BC)

• Polemon I (37–8 BC)

• Pythodorida (Queen) (8 BC – 38 AD)

• Polemon II (38–62 AD)

Related Houses

Other Houses