Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Mithridates

  • Mithridates, “deadly poison” in history, and a classic misdiagnosis

    Hugh Tunstall-PedoeDundee, Scotland Mithridates VI of Pontus (136-63 BC), a formidable enemy of the Roman Empire, was vanquished after several wars. Intrigue and treachery in pursuit of power were then commonplace. Following the poisoning of his uncle, he usurped, imprisoned, or murdered his mother and other relatives, and used knowledge of poisons for attack and…