Crassus

Marcus Licinius Crassus (d. 53 B.C.) became the principal landowner in Rome by organizing a private fire brigade, buying burning houses on the quick, and then putting out the fires. He gained immense prestige — along with Pompey — for suppressing the uprising of Spartacus.

With Caesar and Pompey, Crassus formed the First Triumverate (60 B.C.), but he and Pompey did not get along. Avid for military glory, Crassus undertook a campaign against the Parthians, but his army was routed at Carrhae in 53 B.C., and he was treacherously murdered.

Pantagruelion
October 24, 2001