Crassus

Marcus Licinius Crassus was one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in Roman history. Born into a wealthy family, he built his fortune primarily through real estate speculation, slavery, and silver mining. He became notorious for his fire brigade scheme in Rome, where he would only put out fires if property owners sold him their burning buildings at a fraction of their value. Crassus played a crucial role in Roman politics, particularly as a member of the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Pompey. His military career included crushing Spartacus's slave rebellion in -71 BCE. Despite his wealth and political influence, Crassus desired military glory to match his rivals. This ambition led to his demise during a failed campaign against the Parthian Empire, where he was killed at the Battle of Carrhae. According to legend, the Parthians executed him by forcing him to drink molten gold, a symbolic punishment for his greed.