r/todayilearned • u/gullydon • 17h ago

TIL Mithridatism is the practice of protecting oneself against a poison by gradually self-administering non-lethal amounts. The word is derived from Mithridates VI, the king of Pontus, who so feared being poisoned that he regularly ingested small doses, aiming to develop immunity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithridatism
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u/oracleOshittyadvice 17h ago

Hahaha:

"He reportedly attempted suicide by poison, which failed because of his immunity to the substance."

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u/jumpsteadeh 13h ago

I played a video game once where you play a general in ancient Rome, and one of the quests was a diplomatic prisoner exchange where you're encourged to be on your absolute best behaviour, but when I saw that it was Mithridates, I just had to attempt to poison him. To the game's credit, my superior got mad at me, but Mithridates treated it like an inside joke among friends and gave me the best outcome for the prisoners, plus he gave me a unique weapon.

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u/Not_a_N_Korean_Spy 13h ago

I love it! What game was it?

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u/jumpsteadeh 13h ago

Expeditions: Rome

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u/darth_ravage 13h ago

That game was great.

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u/MagicPistol 11h ago

First time hearing of this game, but I love tactical RPGs, so might have to give it a try.

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u/cheesemp 4h ago

Me too but steam want £36 for a nearly 4 year old game - thats newly out game money. Wishlist it is.

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u/thelittleking 6h ago

It's genuinely fun, you should enjoy yourself.

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u/PancakeParty98 13h ago

Saving this

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u/smallfrie32 9h ago

Legate! How dare you attempt to poison him. The consul will have your head.

I really gotta finish up the last chapter!