A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

6. One of the numerous wives of Mithridates the Great, was originally a woman of mean birth, the daughter of a harper, but obtained such influence over the king as to become one of his favourite wives; and when he was compelled to undertake his perilous retreat round the Euxine sea, she was left by him in charge of a strong fortress, in which he had deposited a large amount of treasure. She was, however, induced to betray both the fortress and treasures into the hands of Pompey, on condition that he should spare the life of her son Xiphares; but Mithridates, in order to punish her for this treason, put Xiphares to death before her eyes. (Appian, Mithr. 107 ; Plut. Pomp. 36 ; D. C. 37.7.)

[E.H.B]