Introduction

Mithridates IV, King of Pontus, was threatening the newly incorporated province of Asia. He initiated a mass slaughter that was to become known as the Asiatic Vespers. Over 80,000 Roman citizens and allies were murdered across the east. Lucius Cornelius Sulla had been elected consul in 88 BC. The Romans raised an invasion force to avenge the slaughter. Old Marius arranged for the Senate's choice of sola to lead to be annulled by the people's assemblies. Solo respected their decision but took the troops right into Rome.