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[[File: Lukullus wiki.png|200px|thumb|left| A drawing of a lost bust of Lucullus]]
Ancient biographer Plutarch regarded Lucullus (118-56 BC) as one of the greatest generals and political leaders of the late Republic. He contributed to the rise of the Roman Empire and was a decisive influence on its culture. Today , but today Lucullus is largely unknown and forgotten. Not only was After he fell out of favor in Roman politics he a great general but was also transformed himself into a noted patron of the artsand builder. Plutarch argued that Lucullus was a significant key figure in the history of Rome. He was instrumental in the defeat Mithridates IV of Pontus, one of Rome’s most formidable enemies. Lucullus also laid the foundation for Roman supremacy in the Near East and Black Sea region, that lasted for centuries. He also played a vital role in the cultural development of Rome.
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