Notes on the chronology of the first mithridatic war and the sequence of events from the outbreak of the war to the siege of Rhodes (90-88 BC) 

This paper aims at reexamining the events of the First mithridatic war, starting from the text of Appian of Alexandria. First, the scholarly debate on the possible chronology of the outbreak of the war is retraced. Then, it is shown that Sherwin-White’s proposed chronology – according to which the conquest of Asia was completed in 89 BC – is the most preferable, with further elements derived from epigraphic and numismatic sources. Finally, a more consistent and meaningful sequence of events is presented through the end of 88 BC, highlighting how other sources (notably Posidonius and Cicero) can provide additional information. 

Keywords: Appian, Asia, chronology, Livian Periochae, Mithridates.