8. The Greedy Plutocrat Who Died Choking on Gold
Marcus Licinius Crassus (115 – 53 BC) was the late Roman Republic’s richest man, and a leading figure in its affairs. He sponsored and bankrolled politicians, including Julius Caesar, and amassed considerable power. He eventually partnered up with Caesar and Pompey to divvy up Rome, 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. His attempt to get some ended in disaster.
Crassus marched off to conquer Parthia in 53 BC, leading an army of 50,000 men. After an arduous trek through arid lands, he encountered 9000 Parthian horse archers, and 1000 armored heavy cavalry, near 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. The Parthians executed him by pouring molten gold down his throat.
