Crassus, Marcus Licinius << KRAS uhs, MAHR kuhs lih SIHN ee uhs >> (112?-53 B.C.), was a Roman statesman, financier, and military leader. In 60 B.C., Crassus, Julius Caesar, and Pompey the Great formed a political alliance called the First Triumvirate that attempted to dominate Rome. Crassus had held the high government posts of praetor, consul, and censor. He was called “the Rich” because he made much money through real estate investments.
In 71 B.C., Crassus had crushed the revolt of the gladiator Spartacus. Seeking further glory, Crassus attacked Parthia, an empire in central Asia. In 53 B.C., Parthian archers trapped his army and killed Crassus and most of his troops.
See also Caesar, Julius; Spartacus; Triumvirate.
