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Mithridates V Euergetes (in Greek Mιθριδάτης Eυεργέτης; reigned c. 150–120 BC), seventh king of Pontus, was probably son of Pharnaces I, and nephew of Mithridates III.¹ The period of his accession is uncertain. He continued the politics of alliance with the Romans started by his predecessor. He supported them with some ships and a small auxiliary force during the Third Punic War (149–146 BC)² and at a subsequent period rendered them useful assistance in the war against Aristonicus (131–129 BC). For his services on this occasion he was rewarded by the consul Manius Aquillius with the province of Phrygia. However, the acts of Aquillius were rescinded by the senate on the grounds of bribery, but it appears that Mithridates maintained his possession of Phrygia until his death.³ He also increased the power of his kingdom by the marriage of his daughter Laodice to the king of Cappadocia Ariarathes VI. The end of his reign can only be approximately determined based on statements concerning the accession of his son. This assigns the year 120 BC to the end of Mithridates' reign. He was assassinated at Sinope by a conspiracy among his own immediate attendants, which possibly included members of his own family.⁴

On the cultural side, his reign was signed by strong hellenizing tendencies; he is recorded for his generous donations to Athens and Delos and the great veneration in which he kept the Greek god Apollo.

Preceded by: Mithridates IV
King of Pontus c. 150 BC – 120 BC
Succeeded by: Mithridates VI

References

Hazel, John; Who's Who in the Roman World, "Mithridates V Euergetes", (2002)
Smith, William (editor); Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, "Mithridates V", Boston, (1867)

Notes

1 Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus, xxxviii. 5
2 Appian, The foreign wars, "Mithridatic Wars", 10
3 Justin, xxxvii. 1; Appian, 12, 56, 57; Orosius, Adversus Paganos, v. 10; Eutropius, Breviarium, iv. 20
4 Strabo, Geography, x. 4