NICOMEDES THE FOURTH GIVES AWAY HIS KINDGOM

Nicomedes IV of Bithynia, the last king of Bithynia, faced constant threats from the expansionist ambitions of his powerful neighbor, Mithridates VI of Pontus. To ensure the safety and stability of his people, Nicomedes made the strategic decision to bequeath his kingdom to the Roman Republic in his will.

This act was likely driven by a desire for protection from Mithridates, the belief that Roman rule would bring stability and economic prosperity, and a desire to prevent the instability that could arise from a succession crisis. The Roman Senate, recognizing the strategic advantages of this acquisition, readily accepted Nicomedes's bequest and annexed Bithynia as a province, renaming it Bithynia et Pontus.

However, this move had unintended consequences. Mithridates VI viewed the annexation of Bithynia as a direct threat to his own power and influence in the region, considering it an act of Roman aggression. This led to the outbreak of the Third Mithridatic War, a conflict that ultimately resulted in a Roman victory and further expanded Rome's control in Asia Minor.