---
title: Map of the Roman Republic and the Mediterranean, c. 90 BCE: On the Eve of the Mithridatic Wars
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18467/map-of-the-roman-republic-and-the-mediterranean-c/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-11-12
---

# Map of the Roman Republic and the Mediterranean, c. 90 BCE: On the Eve of the Mithridatic Wars

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Roman Republic and the Mediterranean, c. 90 BCE: On the Eve of the Mithridatic Wars](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18467.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18467.png)

## Image Caption

By c. 90 BCE, the [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/) had become the dominant power in the [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) following its victories over [Carthage](https://www.worldhistory.org/carthage/) and Macedonia. [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) authority extended from Hispania and North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/) to [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/), the [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/), and western [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) through military [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), provincial administration, alliances, and dependent kingdoms. Expansion transformed [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) into a vast imperial power, enriching its political elites through taxation, territorial acquisitions, and control of commercial networks, while leaving Roman authority uneven and frequently contested.

Yet Rome's supremacy concealed growing instability. During the [Social War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Social_War/) (91–88 BCE), Italian allies challenged Rome over citizenship and political inclusion. In [Anatolia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) and the Black Sea, [Mithridates VI](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mithridates_VI/) of Pontus (reign 120–63 BCE) expanded his influence and resisted Roman intervention, exploiting dynastic disputes and resentment toward Roman exploitation. [Piracy](https://www.worldhistory.org/Piracy/) further complicated Mediterranean commerce and security. These interconnected pressures set the stage for the Mithridatic Wars (89–63 BCE), intensifying military rivalries and political conflicts that would transform the late Roman Republic.

*Special thanks to Joel Bellviure for sharing his knowledge and critical input.*

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, November 12). Map of the Roman Republic and the Mediterranean, c. 90 BCE: On the Eve of the Mithridatic Wars. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18467/map-of-the-roman-republic-and-the-mediterranean-c/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Roman Republic and the Mediterranean, c. 90 BCE: On the Eve of the Mithridatic Wars." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 12, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18467/map-of-the-roman-republic-and-the-mediterranean-c/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Roman Republic and the Mediterranean, c. 90 BCE: On the Eve of the Mithridatic Wars." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 Nov 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18467/map-of-the-roman-republic-and-the-mediterranean-c/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 12 November 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.