Marcus Licinius Crassus (115–53 BCE)

Question 1

Who was Marcus Licinius Crassus?

Answer 1

One of the wealthiest men in Roman history, a politician, and a general during the late Roman Republic.

Question 2

When was Marcus Licinius Crassus born?

Answer 2

Around 115 BCE.

Question 3

To which political alliance did Crassus belong?

Answer 3

The First Triumvirate, along with Julius Caesar and Pompey.

Question 4

What major military success is Crassus known for?

Answer 4

Crushing the Spartacus-led slave rebellion (73–71 BCE).

Question 5

What major defeat marked the end of Crassus’s life?

Answer 5

The Battle of Carrhae against the Parthians in 53 BCE.

Question 6

How did Crassus accumulate his vast fortune?

Answer 6

Through real estate, lending, and an opportunistic ‘fire brigade’ scheme.

Question 7

How did Crassus use his ‘fire brigade’ scheme?

Answer 7

He would offer to buy burning properties at a low price, extinguish the fire, and later sell the property at a profit.

Question 8

Which two figures did Crassus form a political alliance with?

Answer 8

Julius Caesar and Pompey.

Question 9

What was the primary goal of Crassus’s Parthian campaign?

Answer 9

To gain military glory and expand Roman territory.

Question 10

How did Crassus die?

Answer 10

He was killed after being defeated by the Parthians at the Battle of Carrhae.

Question 11

In what way did Crassus contribute to the rise of Julius Caesar?

Answer 11

He financially supported Caesar’s early political career.

Question 12

Why is Crassus’s defeat at Carrhae significant?

Answer 12

It was one of Rome’s most humiliating military defeats.

Question 13

What time period did Crassus live through?

Answer 13

The final decades of the Roman Republic, a time of civil wars and political instability.

Question 14

Why is Crassus often associated with greed?

Answer 14

His extreme wealth, his opportunistic business schemes, and the rumored execution by molten gold.

Question 15

What was Crassus’s most famous military achievement?

Answer 15

His role in suppressing the Spartacus rebellion.

Question 16

What political body did Crassus’s actions help undermine?

Answer 16

The Roman Republic, through his participation in the First Triumvirate.

Question 17

Who took credit for finishing off the Spartacus rebellion, much to Crassus’s frustration?

Answer 17

Pompey, despite Crassus doing most of the work.

Question 18

How is Crassus’s desire for personal glory reflected in his Parthian campaign?

Answer 18

He ignored his officers’ advice and marched into the Syrian desert, leading to his defeat.

Question 19

What was Crassus’s reputation among his contemporaries?

Answer 19

He was known for his ambition, extreme wealth, and cunning opportunism.

Question 20

What significant political alliance was formed by Crassus, Caesar, and Pompey?

Answer 20

The First Triumvirate.

Question 21

Which family background did Crassus come from?

Answer 21

A wealthy and influential Roman family, with his father being a consul and censor.

Question 22

How did Crassus recover after his family’s fall from grace during the civil wars?

Answer 22

He fled and then returned after Sulla’s victory to regain wealth by buying confiscated properties.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Crassus was executed after his defeat at the Battle of _____.

Answer 23

Carrhae.

Question 24

What is a funny fact about Crassus’s Parthian campaign?

Answer 24

Despite warnings, he led his army into the desert in pursuit of personal glory, which ended in disaster.

Question 25

What infamous event is Crassus rumored to have suffered after his death?

Answer 25

Molten gold was allegedly poured down his throat by the Parthians to mock his greed.