Second Mithridatic War — Inconclusive Clash
The Peace of Dardanus in 85 BCE left Mithridates intact on his throne and many Romans dissatisfied. Lucius Licinius Murena, left in charge of Roman forces in Asia after Sulla departed for Italy, convinced himself that Mithridates was rearming in violation of the peace terms. In 83 BCE he launched raids into Pontus without any senatorial decree. Mithridates complained to Rome through ambassadors. Sulla sent a message ordering Murena to stop — but Murena ignored it and attacked again in 82 BCE. This time Mithridates' son fought back vigorously, defeating Murena in a battle near the Halys River. Sulla sent a more forceful emissary with explicit orders to cease. The war ended with a handshake between the armies' commanders and no change in borders. Murena was recalled, given a triumph — extraordinarily, for a campaign that had failed. The Second Mithridatic War reveals that Roman generals felt able to launch wars on personal initiative, and that the chain of command broke down during periods of civil strife.
- Year: 83 BCE
- Category: Military
