Hypsicratea


Hypsicratea or Hipsicratea, was a Caucasian woman who became Queen of Pontus. She ruled a confederacy of states with King Mithridates VI of Pontus.

Life

As sixth and the most famous wife of Mithridates VI, she loved her husband so much that she donned a male disguise, learned warrior skills, and followed him into exile. When he was defeated and put to flight, wherever he sought refuge, even in the most remote solitude. She considered that wherever her husband was, there she would find her kingdom, her riches, and her country, which was of the greatest comfort and solace to Mithridates in his many misfortunes. She assisted him in all labours including the hazards of the war. She rode with him in battle, to suppress rebellions and to fight against the Roman Republic. She is noted to have fought with ax, lance, sword, and bow and arrow.
During Mithridates' defeat by Pompey, Hypsicratea broke free of Pompey's blockade and while the rest dispersed she was one of only three who remained by the King's side. Plutarch wrote that she was:
Valerius Maximus observes that she departed with a chief ornament of her beauty: