an ancient kingdom in the N.E. of Asia Minor, which derived its name from its being on the Pontus Euxinus, extending from the River Colchis in the east to the River Halys in the west. In early times its various parts were designated after the tribes which inhabited them. The most important of those tribes are,—the Leucosyri, Tibareni, Chalybes, Mosynæci, Heptacometae, Drilæ, Bochires, Byzeres, Colchi, Macrones, Mares, Taoci, and Phasiani. From the middle of the seventh century B.C., many of those tribes inhabiting the coast rose to great power and opulence, spreading Greek culture and civilization around them; while many of those of the interior were extremely savage and wild. According to tradition it was conquered by Ninus, founder of the Assyrian empire; and it was certainly under the Persian dominion after the time of Cyrus the Great. In the reign of Artaxerxes II., Ariobarzanes conquered several of the Pontian tribes, and laid the foundation of an independent kingdom. Mithridates II. succeeded him B.C. 337, who, by availing himself of the disputes of the successors of Alexander, considerably enlarged his dominions. He was followed by Mithridates III., by Ariobarzanes III., by Mithridates IV., by Pharmaces I., and by Mithridates V. Under Mithridates VI., from B.C. 120 to B.C. 63 (see MITHRIDATES), the kingdom of Pontus rose to its highest dignity. In his war with the Romans his kingdom was dismembered by Pompey, B.C. 65, who annexed the western part of the nation, and gave the remainder to the native chiefs. A portion between the Iris and the Halys was given to the Galatian Deiotarus, which was henceforth called Pontus Galaticus. The Colchians and other tribes received a king in the person of Aristarchus. Pharmaces II., son of Mithridates, received the Crimea and some neighbouring districts, under the name of Bosphorus; and the central part of the Pontian kingdom, subsequently given to Polemon, was henceforth termed Pontus-Polemoniacus. The widow of Polemon, on her marriage with Archelaus, King of Cappadocia, transferred to him the eastern part of the kingdom, subsequently called Pontus Cappadocius. On occasion of Polemon II., son and successor to Polemon I., resigning his kingdom into the hands of Nero, Pontus was made a Pontus embraced the modern pashaliks of Trebizond and Siwas. The country was surrounded by mountains, and the plains were highly fertile. It grew excellent fruit—cherries, apples, pears, various sorts of grain, timber, olives, and aconite. Game was found in abundance; and the bees were much valued. The mineral wealth of the country consisted chiefly of iron and salt. The chief mountains of Pontus are the Pharyadres, and on the east Scodises, two ranges of Antitaurus, sending off various branches. Proceeding from W. to E. we have the promontories Hæacleum, Jasonium, and Zephyrium, which form the bays of Amisus and Cotovra. The mountains of the south give rise to the Halys, Lycastus, Chaldisius, Iris, Scylax, Lycus, Thermodon, Beris, Thoaris, Cenis, Phigamus, Sidenus, Genethes, Melanthius, Pharmathenus, Hyssus, Ophias, Ascurus, Adiensus, Zagatus, Prytanis, Pyxites, Archalias, Apsarus, Acampas, Bathys, Acnasius, Isis, Mogrus, and the Phasis. To the west, north of the river Scylax, is the lake called by the ancients the Staphane Pater.