Mithrobarzanes

(Μιθροβαρζάνης).

1. Father-in-law of Datames, with whom he joined in his revolt from the Persian king [Datames] ; but afterwards despairing of his cause, went over to Artabazus, the Persian general, with all the cavalry under his command. Datames, however, on learning his desertion, followed him so closely that he attacked the enemy at the very moment that Mithrobarzanes had joined them. The Persians in consequence distrusted their new confederate, and refused to receive them, so that Mithrobarzanes and his followers found themselves hemmed in between two armies, and were quickly cut to pieces. (Diod. 15.91; Corn. Nep. Datam. 6; comp. Polyaen. 7.21.7.)

2. General of the Cappadocian forces, which formed part of the Persian army at the passage of the Granicus: he was killed in the battle (Arrian, Arr. Anab. 1.16.5; Diod. 17.21). His name is written in many of the MSS. both of Diodorus and Arrian, Mithrobuzanes, but analogy is certainly in favour of the other form.

3. King or ruler of the district of Sophene, in the possession of which he was established by Ariarathes V., king of Cappadocia. notwithstanding the opposition of Artaxias, king of Armenia, who in vain endeavoured to induce Ariarathes to put the young prince to death, and divide his dominions between them. (Diod. xxxi. Exc. Vales. p. 584.)

4. A general of Tigranes I., king of Armenia, who was the first of the king's friends and courtiers that ventured to apprise him of the near approach of Lucullus. Hereupon he was despatched by that monarch with a force of 3000 horse and a numerous body of infantry, with orders to crush the Roman army, and bring the general away prisoner. Mithrobarzanes, though he does not seem to have shared in this foolish confidence, advanced to meet Lucullus, but was encountered by the advanced guard of the Romans under Sextilius, and cut to pieces, with the greater part of his troops. (Plut. Luc. 25; Appian, App. Mith. 84.) [E.H.B]