Socrates
5. Surnamed the Good (
ὁ χρηστός), was a brother of Nicomedes III. king of Bithynia. On the death of his father, Nicomedes II., he was persuaded, contrary it is said to his own wishes, by Mithridates the Great, to assert his claim to the throne in opposition to his elder brother, and with the assistance of an army furnished him by the king of Pontus, easily expelled Nicomedes, and made himself master of Bithynia. Nicomedes, however, now had recourse to the senate of Rome; which pronounced in his favour, declared war against Socrates, and reinstated the elder brother on the throne. Socrates fled for refuge to the court of Mithridates, but that monarch was not yet prepared to brave the Roman power, and consequently found it convenient to sacrifice his unfortunate ally, and not only refused to support Socrates, but even put him to death. (Appian.
Mithr. 10, 13; Memnon, 100.30;
Just. 38.5.)
He is called by Memnon Nicomedes, which name he probably assumed at the same time with the crown of Bithynia.
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