Marcus Licinius Crassus
Consul & General
Biography
Crassus amassed an enormous fortune through real estate speculation and silver mining, famously running a private fire brigade that bought burning buildings at a discount.
He played a key role in defeating Spartacus's revolt (71 BC) and shared power with Pompey and Caesar in the First Triumvirate. Seeking military glory to match his rivals, he invaded Parthia.
His campaign ended in disaster at the Battle of Carrhae (53 BC), where he was killed and his army annihilated. His death destabilized the Triumvirate, leading directly to the civil war between Caesar and Pompey.