Kingdom of Bithynia
Kingdom of Bithynia Βιθυνία | |||||||
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Kingdom of Bithynia at its peak during the late reign of Prusias I (182 BC). | |||||||
| Capital | Nicomedia | ||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||
| King | |||||||
• 297–278 BC | Zipoetes I (first) | ||||||
• c. 94–74 BC | Nicomedes IV (last) | ||||||
| Historical era | Hellenistic period | ||||||
• Zipoetes I proclaims himself basileus | 297 BC | ||||||
• Nicomedes IV bequeathed the Kingdom of Bithynia to the Roman Republic | 74 BC | ||||||
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| Today part of | Turkey | ||||||
The Kingdom of Bithynia (Ancient Greek: Βιθυνία) was a Hellenistic kingdom centred in the historical region of Bithynia, which seems to have been established in the 4th century BC. In the midst of the Wars of the Diadochi, Zipoites assumed the title of king (basileus) in 297 BC. His son and successor, Nicomedes I, founded Nicomedia, which soon rose to great prosperity. During his long reign (c. 278 – c. 255 BC), as well as those of his successors, Prusias I (r. c. 228 – 182 BC), Prusias II (r. c. 182 – 149 BC) and Nicomedes II (r. c. 149 – 127 BC), the Kingdom of Bithynia prospered and had a considerable standing and influence among the minor monarchies of Anatolia. But the last king, Nicomedes IV, was unable to maintain himself in power against Mithridates VI of Pontus. After being restored to his throne by the Roman Senate, he bequeathed his kingdom through his will to the Roman republic in 74 BC and it became the province of Bithynia et Pontus in 74 BC.
The coinage of these kings show their regal portraits, which tend to be engraved in an accomplished Hellenistic style.