Lucullus, having restoring the Seleucid kingdom, now intends to confront Mithridates in Pontus, but comes under attack from powerful interests in Rome whose hopes of profit from the Asian conquests have been thwarted by Lucullus's judicious management of financial matters.

During the winter of 68-67 BCE at Nisibis, Lucullus’ authority over his army is more seriously undermined by the efforts of his young brother-in-law Publius Clodius Pulcher, apparently acting in the interests and pay of Pompey, who is eager to succeed Lucullus in the eastern command.

The long campaigning and hardships that Lucullus' troops have endured for years, combined with a perceived lack of reward in the form of plunder, have led the troops to become gradually insubordinate.

Encouraged by Clodius Pulcher, this discontent has led to three successive outbreaks of mutiny among the legions in 68-67 BCE.

Despite his continuous success in battle, Lucullus has still not captured either Mithridates or Tigranes.