Pontus, ancient district in northeastern Anatolia adjoining the Black Sea. In the 1st century bc it briefly contested Rome's hegemony in Anatolia. An independent Pontic kingdom with its capital at Amaseia (modern Amasya) was established at the end of the 4th century bc in the wake of Alexander's conquests.

Where is Pontus?

Pontus or Pontos (/ˈpɒntəs/; Greek: Πόντος, romanized: Póntos, "Sea") is a region on the southern coast of the Black Sea, located in modern-day eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey.

Was Pontus a Persian?

The region of Pontus was originally part of the Persian satrapy of Cappadocia (Katpatuka). The Persian dynasty which was to found this kingdom had, during the 4th century BC, ruled the Greek city of Cius (or Kios) in Mysia, with its first known member being Mithridates of Cius.