Metrodorus of Scepsis (Μητρόδωρος ὁ Σκήψιος) was a Greek historian and philosopher from Scepsis in the Troad who lived during the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. He was a close friend and courtier to King Mithridates VI of Pontus, who held him in such high esteem he called him "father" and entrusted him with diplomatic missions, including an embassy to King Tigranes of Armenia [1]. Metrodorus died by poison; Strabo attributes this to Tigranes, while the Suda claims Mithridates ordered it after a falling out [1, 2].

His only securely attested work is the lost treatise On Tactics (Περὶ Τακτικῆς), mentioned by the Suda [2]. The same source dubiously attributes a work titled Troica to him, which may refer to a different author.

Metrodorus is significant for providing a lost Pontic perspective on the Mithridatic Wars against Rome. His political role exemplifies the integration of Greek intellectuals as advisors and diplomats in Hellenistic courts, and the conflicting accounts of his death underscore the perilous nature of contemporary court politics.

Sources 1. Strabo, Geography, 13.1.55 (Perseus Digital Library): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Strab.+13.1.55&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0239 2. Suda, entry Mu 710, "Metrodoros" (ToposText): https://topostext.org/work/240#710