Caucasian campaign of Pompey
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Was a succesful Roman military campaign led by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus in the Caucasus during the Third Mithridatic War.
Chronology
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January 64 BC: After subduing Iberia, Pompey headed towards the small kingdom of Colchis and subjugated its main stronghold and various local peoples. Pompey gave the rule of Colchis to Aristarches, effectively making it a Roman province, part of Bithynia et Pontus.
January 64 BC: The Caucasian Albani decided to act before the Romans could invade. Oroeses, king of the Albani, organized a concerted attack on the divided Roman forces. The attacks were to coincide with the Roman feast of Saturnalia to maximize their success. Unfortunately the capably led veteran Roman forces were more than a match for the Albani tribesmen and their attacks were easily repulsed. Oroeses was forced to submit to terms.
January 64 BC: Fearing imminent invasion Artoces (probably the Artag of Georgian history) king of the Iberians turned to diplomacy and promised the Romans unconditional friendship. Pompey accepted the terms but because he was alerted by his intelligence service that the Iberians were secretly planning an attack, in the spring of 65 BC he marched his forces into Iberia.
Selected Sources
Appian, XII - The Mithridatic Wars, 114
Appian, XII - The Mithridatic Wars, 116-117
Cassius Dio: Roman History, XXXVII, 1.3-4, s.4-7
Plutarch: Parallel Lives, Pompey, 34
Plutarch: Parallel Lives, Pompey, 45.2-5
