Crassus, Marcus Licinius

(born c. 115—died 53 BC) Roman financier and politician. He sided with Lucius Cornelius Sulla against Gaius Marius in the civil war of 83–82 BC and came into conflict with Pompey the Great. In 72–71 he put down the slave rebellion led by Spartacus. He made loans to indebted senators, including Julius Caesar. In 70 Crassus and Pompey were elected co-consuls. Ten years later Crassus, Caesar, and Pompey formed the First Triumvirate (see triumvirate). As governor of Syria (54) Crassus invaded Parthia; his death at the Battle of Carrhae led to civil war between Caesar and Pompey.

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