NICOMEDES IV PHILOPATOR (94-74 BC)

"Caesar Enslaved Gaul, but Nicomedes Enslaved Caesar" This was a chant allegedly sung by Caesar's legionaries during his triumph in Rome. In 80 BCE, the 20-year-old Julius Caesar served in Asia Minor under the command of Lucius Lucullus. As part of his duties, Caesar was sent to the court of Nicomedes IV, the king of Bithynia. His mission was to secure a Bithynian fleet to assist in the siege of the city of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. Caesar fulfilled this task exceptionally well, and he even grew notably close to the king.

According to Suetonius—likely with some justification—Caesar and Nicomedes were lovers. Caesar was reportedly captivated by the opulence of the king's oriental court and fascinated by Nicomedes' lifestyle. The situation would have been less controversial had Caesar played the dominant role in the relationship. However, it was said that he was seduced by the king and assumed a passive role. There were even rumors of him being caught wearing women’s clothing.