For over 50 years Pontus and its powerful despot, Mithridates VI Eupator, was a constant thorn on Romes borders. Its a wonder that the Romans called Hannibal the biggest threat to Rome, when Mithridates VI filled the Mediterranean with pirates making sea travel too risky, conquered the once-thought unconquerable Scythians, and took over the Near East from Parthia to Italy, plus all assassination attempts failed thanks to his immunity to every known poison and highly disciplined and loyal bodyguards.