Crassus

The richest man in Rome, who crushed the Spartacus revolt and died at the Battle of Carrhae.

Life

Richest man

Crassus came from a distinguished family; during Sulla's proscriptions he bought confiscated property cheaply, and he also organized a private fire brigade, buying burning houses at low prices, to become the richest man in Rome.

Spartacus

In 71 BCE he crushed the slave revolt led by Spartacus and crucified 6,000 captives along both sides of the Appian Way. In 60 BCE he formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Caesar.

Carrhae

To win military glory to match the other two, he invaded Parthia in 53 BCE; at Carrhae he was surrounded by Parthian cavalry and archers, his entire force was annihilated, and he himself was killed during negotiations.

Legacy

Crassus's death upset the balance of the Triumvirate, and Caesar and Pompey soon headed for a showdown.

Did you know? Legend has it that the Parthians poured molten gold into his mouth to mock his greed. (This story comes from later writers and may not be true.)

Key dates

• 83 BCEFollowed Sulla
• 71 BCECrushed the Spartacus revolt
• 70 BCEBecame consul
• 60 BCEForms the First Triumvirate
• 53 BCEKilled in battle at Carrhae