His operations there were thoroughly successful, and, though he doubtless owed much to the previous victories of Lucullus, he showed himself an able soldier.

Mithradates was obliged to flee across the Black Sea to Panticapaeum (Kertch).
In the year 64 Pompey went to Syria, took possession of the country in the name of Rome, and made it a province.
Next he was invited to act as judge between Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, two aspirants to the Jewish throne.

His decision was contrary to the wishes of the people, and to enforce it he led his army against Jerusalem, which he captured after a siege of three months.

He installed Hyrcanus on the throne on condition of an annual tribute.
Meanwhile Mithradates had returned to Pontus for the prosecution of his old design; but so great was the terror inspired by the Roman arms, that even his own son refused to join him.

Desperate at the turn affairs had taken, the aged monarch put an end to his own life in 63, after a reign of fifty-seven years.