The Roman era historian Theophanes (100 B.C.) was
born in Mytilini.
He accompanied Pompei in his military operations in
Asia Minor and wrote an account of them. Pompei, in return of these
services, accorded him the rights of a Roman Citizen. It is said by Strabo
that such was Pompei's trust in Theophane's abilities that he never did
anything without taking his advice.
Theophanes made use of Pompei's favor for the
benefit of his native town, Mytilini, which Pompei, on his return from
Asia in 62 B.C., declared to be free and adorned lavishly. The Mytilinians
honored Theophanes by striking coins with the inscription "Theophanes god
of Mytileneans"
