15. The Roman Republic’s Richest Man Died Choking on Gold
Marcus Licinius Crassus (115 – 53 BC) was a leading figure of the late Roman Republic, and its wealthiest citizen. He sponsored politicians, including Julius Caesar, whose political rise he bankrolled, and amassed considerable power. He eventually partnered up with Caesar and Pompey to divvy up Rome amongst themselves, in what came to be known as the First Triumvirate. However, the one thing that Crassus lacked, and which his fellow Triumvirs had in abundance, was military glory. He tried to get some, but it ended in catastrophe.
In 53 BC, Crassus marched off to conquer Parthia, leading an army of 50,000 men. After a gruelling march through arid lands, Crassus encountered 9000 Parthian horse archers, and 1000 armored heavy cavalry, near the town of Carrhae, in modern Turkey. Although they outnumbered the Parthians 5:1, the Romans were demoralized by the march, and by Crassus’ uninspiring leadership. The Romans were slaughtered, and Crassus was captured. To mock his greed, the Parthians executed him by pouring molten gold down his throat.
