Editing Bithynia (section)

===Kingdom of Bithynia===
{{Main|Kingdom of Bithynia}}
Even before the conquest by [[Alexander the Great|Alexander]], the Bithynians appear to have asserted their independence, and successfully maintained it under two native princes, [[Bas of Bithynia|Bas]] and [[Zipoites I of Bithynia|Zipoites]], the latter of whom assumed the title of king (''[[basileus]]'') in 297 BC.

His son and successor, [[Nicomedes I of Bithynia|Nicomedes I]], founded [[Nicomedia]], which soon rose to great prosperity, and during his long reign ({{circa|278|255}} BC), as well as those of his successors, [[Prusias I of Bithynia|Prusias I]], [[Prusias II of Bithynia|Prusias II]] and [[Nicomedes II of Bithynia|Nicomedes II]] (149–91 BC), the [[List of rulers of Bithynia|kings]] of [[Kingdom of Bithynia|Bithynia]] had a considerable standing and influence among the minor monarchies of [[Anatolia]]. But the last king, [[Nicomedes IV of Bithynia|Nicomedes IV]], was unable to maintain himself in power against [[Mithridates VI of Pontus]]. After being restored to his throne by the [[Roman Senate]], he bequeathed his kingdom through his will to the [[Roman Republic]] (74 BC).{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=13}}

The coinage of these kings show their regal portraits, which tend to be engraved in an extremely accomplished [[Hellenization|Hellenistic]] style.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiaminorcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=31|title=Kings of Bithynia - Asia Minor Coins - Photo Gallery|website=www.asiaminorcoins.com}}</ref>