What is "aristonicus"

Aristonicus may refer to:

• Aristonicus of Pergamon, who as king became Eumenes III (died 129 BC), and promised freedom to the slaves
• Aristonicus of Alexandria, a grammarian and Homeric scholar
• Aristonicus of Carystus, a ball-player in Alexander's entourage granted Athenian citizenship.
• Aristonicus of Methymnae, a 4th-century Lesbian tyrant
• Aristonicus (eunuch), who was brought up with Ptolemy Epiphanes
• Aristonicus of Tarentum, author of a work on mythology

Aristonicus (Latin; Greek Aristonikos) was a eunuch of Ptolemy V Epiphanes. He was brought up with the king from his early youth. Polybius speaks of him in terms of high praise, as a man of a generous and warlike disposition, and skilled in political transactions. In 185 BCE, when the king had to fight against some discontented Egyptians, Aristonicus went to Greece and engaged a body of mercenaries there.

( Polybius 22.16-17.)