Nicomedes IV Philopator was the king of Bithynia from approximately 94 BC to 74 BC. As the eldest son and successor of Nicomedes III of Bithynia, his reign was shaped by internal strife, Roman influence, and conflicts with neighboring powers, especially Mithridates VI of Pontus.

Early Life and Family

Nicomedes IV was likely born to Nicomedes III and his wife Nysa, as recorded by Memnon of Heraclea. However, historian Granius Licinianus suggests that his mother was Aristonica, Nicomedes III’s first wife, who allegedly died nine days after his birth. Nicomedes IV had several half-siblings, including Nysa (from Nicomedes III’s marriage to another Nysa), Socrates Chrestus (from the king’s concubine, Hagne), and possibly Pylaemenes III from an unknown woman.

Nicomedes IV Philopator (Ancient Greek: Νικομήδης Φιλοπάτωρ) was the king of Bithynia from approximately 94 BC to 74 BC.

When Nicomedes III died around 94 BC, Nicomedes IV ascended the throne. The early years of his reign were relatively uneventful, but tensions soon arose due to the ambitions of Mithridates VI of Pontus, his maternal grand-uncle, who sought to expand his influence.

Conflicts with Mithridates VI

Mithridates VI’s encroachments on Bithynia’s borders escalated tensions. In 90 BC, Nicomedes IV faced a coup led by his half-brother Socrates Chrestus, who was backed by Mithridates VI. This rebellion resulted in Nicomedes IV being defeated and fleeing to Italy. Rome, recognizing Bithynia’s strategic importance, intervened to restore Nicomedes IV to power. Manius Aquillius, acting under Roman authority, reinstated Nicomedes IV as king.

Following his restoration, Nicomedes IV, under Roman encouragement, launched raids into Mithridates VI’s territory. This provoked retaliation from Mithridates, who invaded Bithynia in 88 BC, forcing Nicomedes IV to flee again. Mithridates’ conquest of Bithynia and adjacent Roman provinces initiated the First Mithridatic War.

 

 

The First Mithridatic War

The First Mithridatic War (89–85 BC) became a crucial chapter in Nicomedes IV’s reign. Rome, eager to protect its economic interests in Asia Minor, dispatched Lucius Cornelius Sulla to confront Mithridates VI. After several battles, Mithridates sued for peace in 85 BC, retaining control of Pontus but paying a substantial fine. Nicomedes IV was once again restored to the throne in 84 BC, but the experience underscored Bithynia’s growing dependence on Roman power.

Roman Influence and Scandal

During his later reign, Nicomedes IV increasingly aligned with Rome. In 80 BC, the young Gaius Julius Caesar visited Nicomedes IV’s court as an ambassador tasked with raising a fleet. Caesar’s prolonged stay gave rise to rumors of a sexual relationship between the two. These allegations, possibly fabricated by Caesar’s political adversaries, persisted throughout his life. Despite the rumors, Nicomedes IV remained a loyal ally to Rome, ensuring stability in Bithynia.

Bequeathal to Rome and Legacy

In 74 BC, as one of his final acts, Nicomedes IV bequeathed the kingdom of Bithynia to Rome. The Roman Senate quickly incorporated Bithynia as a province, further solidifying Rome’s presence in the region. However, this transition was not without challenges. Mithridates VI, seeing an opportunity to reclaim Bithynia, opposed Rome’s annexation, leading directly to the outbreak of the Third Mithridatic War.

Nicomedes IV’s decision to leave his kingdom to Rome highlighted the extent of Roman influence over Bithynia and marked the end of its independence. His reign, while overshadowed by conflicts and Roman dominance, played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Asia Minor during the late Republic.

Frequently asked questions

What is known about Nicomedes IV’s family?

He was the son of Nicomedes III and likely his first wife, Aristonica. He had three half-siblings: Nysa, Socrates Chrestus, and possibly Pylaemenes III.

What challenges did Nicomedes IV face during his reign?

His reign saw conflicts with Mithridates VI of Pontus, who supported his brother Socrates Chrestus in usurping the throne. Nicomedes IV was twice forced into exile and restored by Roman intervention.

What role did Rome play in Nicomedes IV’s reign?

Rome restored him to the throne twice and increasingly controlled Bithynia’s affairs. Rome also used Nicomedes IV to provoke conflicts with Mithridates VI, sparking the First Mithridatic War.

What is the significance of Gaius Julius Caesar in Nicomedes IV’s story?

Young Caesar served as an ambassador to Nicomedes IV’s court in 80 BC. Their alleged relationship became a political smear against Caesar, though its truthfulness remains uncertain.

What led to the First Mithridatic War?

Nicomedes IV, encouraged by Rome, raided Mithridates VI’s territories, provoking Mithridates to invade Bithynia and other regions, triggering the war.

What were the outcomes of Nicomedes IV’s final years?

In 74 BC, Nicomedes IV bequeathed Bithynia to Rome. This act, coupled with Mithridates VI’s ambitions, led to the Third Mithridatic War.

Why is Nicomedes IV historically important?

He played a key role in Bithynia’s transition into a Roman province and was central to the geopolitical conflicts between Rome and Mithridates VI of Pontus.