The Romans, after the brief so-called Second…

The Romans, after the brief so-called Second Mithridatic War ended in 82 BCE without any territorial gains by either side, had begun securing the coastal region of Lycia and Pamphylia from pirates and established Roman control over Pisidia and Lycaonia.

The Cilician pirates have not been completely defeated however, and Mithridates signs an alliance with them.

He is also allied with the government of Quintus Sertorius in Spain and with his help reorganizes some of his troops in the Roman legionary pattern with short stabbing swords.

In joining those two threats into a unity much larger than its parts, Mithridates has the serious potential of overturning Roman power.