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
Bibliography
