Historian and folklorist Adrienne Mayor is well-known for her research on historical events and folklore. She gives a detailed account of the political changes that occurred in western Asia during the Roman era in one of her works.

Pergamon, a major city that formerly possessed considerable power in the area, is at the center of the narrative. After capturing the region, the Romans made the decision to make it their provincial capital. This choice demonstrated Pergamon's strategic and financial significance for Rome's control of its new lands.

But the political climate had drastically changed by 88 BC. A strongman from Pontus, an ancient kingdom in present-day northeastern Turkey, King Mithradates VI, started to impose his will on a large portion of western Asia. He took advantage of the situation and took over Pergamon's royal palace.

This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly power can change. The Romans encountered a strong foe who was able to topple Roman power in a matter of decades, just as swiftly as they had established their presence. It's similar to seeing someone take the lead in a relay race right before it appears that another team has won.

The deeds of King Mithradates demonstrate his ambition and cunning. Pergamon became his base of operations after he was able to mobilize allies throughout western Asia. This action was crucial for increasing his power and undermining Roman rule, and it was a pivotal point in the conflict between Rome and other regional powers at the time.

Mayor's account sheds light on historical occurrences as well as the centuries-long dynamics of power struggles. It serves as a reminder that ambitious leaders or shifting conditions have the power to swiftly topple even the most stable political arrangements.