Stratonice of Pontus

Stratonice of Pontus (Greek: Στρατoνίκη; fl. 1st century BC) was a Greek woman from the Kingdom of Pontus who was one of the mistresses and the fourth wife of King Mithridates VI of Pontus.[1]

Stratonice was a citizen of the Pontian city of Kabeira.[2] She was originally a woman of mean birth and was the daughter of a harpist.[3]

Stratonice was a harpist in the court of Mithridates VI.[2] She became one of the mistresses to the King and eventually Mithridates VI married her as one of his wives after 86 BC. Stratonice bore Mithridates a son called Xiphares.[3] Stratonice became one of the favorite wives of the King and had obtained much influence over him.[3] When Mithridates VI was compelled to undertake his perilous retreat to the Black Sea, Mithridates VI left Stratonice in charge of a strong fortress at Coenum in which he had deposited a large amount of treasure.[3]

Stratonice was induced to hand over both the fortress and the fortress’ treasures to the Roman General Pompey, on the condition that Pompey would spare the life of her son.[3] However Mithridates VI punished her for her treason by putting their son to death before her eyes.[3] She died by 63 BC when the Kingdom of Pontus was annexed by the Roman General Pompey.

References
  1. Mayor, The Poison King: the life and legend of Mithradates, Rome’s deadliest enemy
  2. Mayor, The Poison King: the life and legend of Mithradates, Rome’s deadliest enemy p. xviii
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-09-18. Retrieved 2010-09-18.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

Bibliography
  • Mayor, A., The Poison King: the life and legend of Mithradates, Rome’s deadliest enemy, Princeton University Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0691150260
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