Marcus Licinius Crassus: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Wealthiest Man
Marcus Licinius Crassus: The Rise and Fall of Rome's Wealthiest Man Marcus Licinius Crassus (c115–53 BC), Roman general and politician. Thought to have been the wealthiest man in Roman history, Crassus is said to have been put to death by the Parthians by pouring molten gold down his throat. Illustration for Plutarch's Lives (Jacob Tonson, 1703) Marcus Licinius Crassus (115-53 BCE) was perhaps the richest man in Roman history and in his eventful life he experienced both great successes and severe disappointments. His vast wealth and sharp political skills brought him two consulships and the kind of influence enjoyed only by a true heavyweight of Roman politics. A mentor to Julius Caesar in his early career, Crassus would rise to the very top of state affairs but his long search for a military triumph to match his great rival Pompey would, ultimately, bring about his downfall Early Success Crassus was the son of Publius Licinius Crassus, who was consul in 97 BCE and a c...