The name of the king of Bithynia was Nicomedes.

Caesar joined himself to Nicomedes's court, and entered into his service.

In the mean time, Sylla had ceased to pursue him, and ultimately granted him a pardon, but whether before or after this time is not now to be ascertained.

At all events, Caesar became interested in the scenes and enjoyments of Nicomedes's court, and allowed the time to pass away without forming any plans for returning to Rome.
[Sidenote: Cilicia.] [Sidenote: Character of its inhabitants.] On the opposite side of Asia Minor, that is, on the southern shore, there was a wild and mountainous region called Cilicia.

The great chain of mountains called Taurus approaches here very near to the sea, and the steep conformations of the land, which, in the interior, produce lofty ranges and summits, and dark valleys and ravines, form, along the line of the shore, capes and promontories, bounded by precipitous sides, and with deep bays and harbors between them.