Lacking talent policy, he compensated for his fabulous size of their capital.He dreamed of the fame of the commander, but his military victory was credited to another person.He was trying to win the love of the people, but only got the nickname "the rich."Yet Marcus Licinius Crassus went down in history not only as a rich man, but also as the winner of the rebel Spartacus.
childhood and youth of the future
commander Marcus Licinius Crassus was born in 115 BC in a Roman noble family.Rhode Licinius belongs to one of the most influential families of the plebs in ancient Rome, which has a long history.Mark's father was consul and then governor of Spain.During the suppression of the uprising of the Spanish Senate honored him with the supreme triumph.In addition to Mark, the family grew even two older sons.The father and one brother Marcus Crassus died 87 BC during the dictatorship of the consular army of Gaius Marius.Mark himself barely managed to avoid a similar fate.From early childhood, the boy did not stand out among their peers a good memory and love of knowledge.But it differed diligence and perseverance.The sooner it showed a brilliant businessman who can all benefit from.
Business qualities Crassus
Commercial operations checkered young Mark is much easier than public speaking, so necessary for the start of his political career.Marcus Licinius Crassus rented land, participated in the campaigns of trade, bought slaves, and then, teaching them crafts and sciences, to sell at exorbitant prices.His condition gradually grew.Over time, Marcus Licinius began to learn on the street, his name is increasingly mentioned among traders, but the way in politics for him was still closed.83 BC outlaw commander Sulla unleashed one of the bloodiest civil wars in the history of the Roman Empire.Sulla's army was advancing on Rome.Like other wealthy Romans, Marcus Licinius Crassus, a merchant without hesitation he took the side of the rebels.
Recognition Marcus Licinius in Rome
on their own funds, he armed the whole army in two and a half thousand people.Gold Marcus Licinius turned into swords, shields, spears, bows and arrows.Calculations true: he was on the winning side.When Rome capitulated, the new dictator Sulla generously rewarded the future commander.In addition, Marcus Licinius Crassus has significantly increased their wealth by confiscating or buying for a song at auction the property of those unfortunates who by order of Sulla was in proscribed and was a victim of terror.So Mark became incredibly rich.To win the love of the people, he once gave to the inhabitants of Rome meal, ordering 10,000 to cover the tables.Although the Romans praised Crassus, called rich Marcus Licinius dream big - about the military exploits and glory commander.
internal confrontation of the Roman Empire
Hard times are coming for the Roman state 74 BC.In Spain, increased public outcry tribes, and in the eastern part of Italy was at war with Mithridates VI.In 73 BC, when ancient Rome rose slave revolt led by Spartacus, rich Marcus Licinius Crassus decided its time had come, and he will be able to meet its ambition, having obtained glory in battle.Marcus Crassus and Spartacus - this is a great confrontation of class representatives of different social classes.After receiving consent of the Senate, the businessman made two under him the Legion toward the army of Spartacus.But in the first battle with the Romans were defeated by the rebels, and the reputation of Crassus was threatened.
suppression of rebellious slaves
However, he was not used to losing.To restore the morale of the army, Marcus Licinius Crassus followed the ancient custom of the ruthless decimation.He ordered the execution of every tenth soldier, and this cruelty to take effect.On his orders, Legionnaires dug a deep trench length of 55 kilometers, and for him to cast a mount.This line of fortifications to block the army of Spartacus Bruttiyskom peninsula, pinning her to the Mediterranean coast.Although rebel managed to escape from the trap bruttiyskoy, Marcus Crassus (photo at a time, of course, it was not, instead present you pictures of sculptures and pictures) suppressed the slave revolt, winning a decisive battle in 71 BC.But the laurels of the winner had to share with the general Pompey, who defeated the remnants of the army of Spartacus and severely dealt with prisoners.The authority of Marcus Crassus rose when in the year 70 BC, and then in the 55th year he was elected consul.But the wealthy Crassus was not able to win the love and support of the people and in alone to stay on the political Olympus of ancient Rome.
first steps in the big politics
Then he began to support power-hungry budding politician Gaius Julius Caesar.Caesar and Marcus Crassus became very close in their political views on the future of the Roman Empire.In order to ensure victory in the elections Yulia, Crassus and Pompey entered into an alliance with him.Since 60 BC, there was a triumvirate of the strongest men of the state (Pompey, Marcus Crassus and Julius Caesar), which became controlled by Rome.This alliance forces, the mind and the power of gold and wisdom of Pompey Caesar combined with the wealth of Crassus.This takeover will last a little less than seven years, that is until the death of Marcus Licinius.
new Syrian governor
Marcus Crassus (whose biography is confirmed) becomes governor of Syria, Gabinius from taking two legions chosen men, which opened new opportunities for him to gain.But apart from that, Marcus Licinius saw himself the owner of the treasure of the Parthian Empire - powerful country, which stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea.Parthia seemed to him easy prey.Many tried to dissuade sixty commander of hasty and ill-considered decisions.But in 54 BC Marcus Licinius Crassus began the war with the Parthians.
Events Parthian War
What made Triumvir invade Parthian possession, not known for certain.The first conflict between the two powers (the Roman Republic and Parthia) any more 92 BC.The two countries even established diplomatic relations.Apparently, the main reason was the military conflict to seize Armenia (read a preliminary agreement on the demarcation line occupied territory by the river Euphrates).
Last Battle of Carrhae
already in one of the first battles killed the youngest son of Marcus Crassus Publius.The numerical superiority of the Romans did not produce the expected result.More competent tactical and strategic actions of the Parthian Army allowed her to attack the enemy's flanks and cause quality strikes on enemy positions.Frequent frontal attacks and flanking coverage infantry pinned down an easy Romans.Eventually, it led to the complete defeat of the Roman army.In a counter-cavalry of Publius Crassus was destroyed, and the commander - captivated.The head of his son Marcus Crassus was sent to the Parthian king.The main reason for the defeat at Carrhae modern military experts see in heavy uniforms of Roman soldiers, the weight of ammunition, which reached 50 kilograms.
Parthian war was fatal for most Marcus Crassus.According to the descriptions of the historian Plutarch, Mark died in battle near the town of Carrhae in Mesopotamia May 6, 53 BC.Severed head and the hand of the commander were sent to the king of Parthia.There is a legend that in the throat Crassus winners through a tube poured molten gold that after the death of a military leader and businessman finally satisfy his greed.
Life heirs
Some sources that have survived to this day, argue that the triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus was married to the widow of the deceased brother.The eldest son of Marcus Crassus - Tiberius - has been a foster is a direct heir of Publius Crassus.With his wife Tertullus Mark had two sons, Mark and Publius.Both of them had a different political weight and social significance in the history of ancient Rome.
Marcus Licinius Crassus (son)
historical information about the eldest son Triumvir quite scarce.We only know that he was born in the first half of '85 BC.At a fairly young age Marcus Crassus (son) became pope, and then briefly served as quaestor in Gaul and prokvestorom from Julius Caesar.In the civil war of the Roman Empire the eldest son of Marcus Licinius showed no special aptitude for martial arts and soon he was appointed governor of Cisalpine Gaul.Further traces of the young heir to the lost.Most likely, his career was ended in Gaul.
youngest son of the triumvir Crassus
Unlike his father, Publius Crassus had good style and was an excellent orator.Curiosity, erudition and education of the young commander allowed him to get close to the first speaker at the time - by Cicero.It is known that in their private conversations, both speakers touched upon the subject of policies and issues of statehood.Cicero had high hopes for the young orator, seeing in him his successor.However, after the speech "On Alexandria king" in which the teacher criticized plans Crassus Sr. (accession of Egypt to the Roman Empire), Marcus Licinius Crassus did everything to break this link.Political Views father and son are different, and it ceased to be a family affair, and has become public.
Comprehension military wisdom
At the request of his father, Publius Crassus sent to serve under the command of the great Julius Caesar.The young soldier had great military campaigns in Aquitaine and Armorica.Gaius Julius Caesar praised the abilities of the young commanding general.Upon returning home, the son of Marcus Crassus married the daughter Cornelia Optimates Metellus.At the same time, and it begins a new political milestone in the career of Publius Crassus.His father appointed him his chief of security.We also know that the son of Marcus Crassus, one of the first to attach importance to monetary policy in the state.After the death of Publius at the Battle of Carrhae his wife Cornelia marries Pompey.
