The first Mithridatic war

The First Mithridatic War (88-84BC) was instigated by Nicomedes III of Bithynia. He had been the target of an unsuccessful plot by Mithridates VI Eupator, king of Pontus, to depose him. Retaliatory raids, encouraged by Rome, on Pontic territory by Nicomedes led to the outbreak of the First Mithridatic War. Mithridates occupied the Roman Province of Asia and many Greek cities in Asia minor (including Athens), but was ultimately defeated by Roman Generals.