Nicomedes IV of Bithynia vs Trebonianus Gallus

After being expelled from Bithynia by Mithridates VI of Pontus, Nicomedes IV was restored to his throne by Roman forces under Manius Aquillius. This intervention triggered the First Mithridatic War between Rome and Pontus.

Nicomedes IV allied with Rome during the First Mithridatic War, providing troops and resources. However, his forces were defeated by Mithridates VI, leading to his temporary flight and the Pontic occupation of Bithynia.

Nicomedes IV, the last king of Bithynia, bequeathed his kingdom to the Roman Republic in his will upon his death. This act transformed Bithynia into a Roman province, ending the Hellenistic monarchy and expanding Roman control in Asia Minor.

Facing a devastating Gothic invasion and the outbreak of the Plague of Cyprian, Trebonianus Gallus negotiated a humiliating peace with the Goths. He agreed to pay an annual tribute and allowed them to keep their plunder and prisoners, a decision criticized by contemporaries.

After the death of Emperor Decius at the Battle of Abritus, Trebonianus Gallus was proclaimed emperor by the Roman army. He was governor of Moesia at the time and quickly secured recognition from the Senate.

During Gallus's reign, a severe plague, known as the Plague of Cyprian, swept through the Roman Empire. It caused massive mortality, weakened the military, and contributed to economic and social instability, exacerbating the Crisis of the Third Century.

Rebel general Aemilianus, proclaimed emperor by the Moesian legions, marched into Italy. Trebonianus Gallus and his son Volusianus met him at Interamna Nahars (modern Terni) but were defeated and killed by their own troops, who defected to Aemilianus.