Our story begins with Nicomedes IV of Bithynia facing adversity in the Battle of the River Amnias against the formidable generals Neoptolemus and Archelaus, loyal to Mithridates. Following this defeat, Rome, desperate to restore Nicomedes' power, sends ambassador Manius Aquillius to negotiate. However, the tides turn as Mithridates' forces, led by Neoptolemus and Nemanes, pursue Aquillius near the fortress of Protopachium --ar 16:9