1,752
edits
Changes
no edit summary
==Crassus==
Carcus Licinius Crassus (115 -53 BC) was born into a wealthy and noble family. However, his family lands and wealth were seized when the ‘populist’ leaders Marius and Cinna came to power. Crassus was left one of the many impoverished aristocrats in Rome at this time. His fortunes changed when Sulla became a dictator. He served in the army of the dictator and as a result, he was able to benefit from the proscriptions of Sulla. This is where the dictator These were when Sulla executed many of his enemies and seized their property <ref> Brunt, Peter Astbury. Social conflicts in the Roman Republic (Londres: Chatto and Windus, 1971), p 114</ref>. Because of his role in the confiscations, Crassus was able to restore his family fortunes. He was a brilliant entrepreneur and financier. He used his political connections to great effect. The wily politician was able to acquire mines which earned him a great deal of money. Crassus also engaged in the slave trade which was one of the most lucrative businesses in the Ancient World. Like many other rich men throughout history, he made most of his money through real estate speculation. He would buy ruined and derelict buildings and restore them and ‘flip’ them for a hefty profit. Crassus was ruthless when it came to making money. There was no fire fighting service in the city of Rome, so he formed one out of his slaves. He would send them to fires and offer their services in return for a price. If the owners of the property could not afford the fee, Crassus would offer to buy the burning building. With little choice, many property owners sold their property for ridiculously low prices. As a result, Crassus became the biggest property owner in Rome and he became notorious for charging high rents <ref> Cadoux, Theodore J. "Marcus Crassus: A Revaluation." Greece & Rome 3, no. 2 (1956): 153-161 </ref>. Crassus attempted to conquer Parthia in 53 BC but was captured and killed. According to legend, the Parthians killed him by pouring gold into his mouth and eyes, as a symbol of his greed for money <ref>Plutarch, The Life of Crassus, 12.2</ref>
[[File:File.png|200px|thumb|left|alt text]]
==Julius Caesar==
Caesar (100-44 BC) was one of the greatest generals who ever lived. He was also a consummate politician. He was born into a noble if impoverished family and was associated with the ‘popular’ party in Rome. The young Caesar was not wealthy and was obliged to borrow money from moneylenders at extortionate rates of interest to finance his political campaigns <ref>Plutarch, The Life of Julius Caesar, 6. 2</ref>. He was elected Pontifex Maximus, an important religious position and this allowed him to stave off bankruptcy. Caesar entered into a political arrangement with Pompey and Crassus which effectively partitioned the Roman Empire between them <ref> Wacher, John. The Roman World (London, Routledge, 2013) p. 198</ref>. Julius was given the command of several legions and control of a province. He used his position to conquer the rest of Gaul. Caesar was able to plunder a great many wealthy fortresses and cities’, and this made him fabulously wealthy. He also captured many men, women, and children, whom he sold into slavery and this made him an absolute fortune. Caesar also made money by selling conquered lands and commercial concessions to Roman entrepreneurs. For the first time in his life, the great commander was financially secure. After the death of Crassus at the Battle of Carrahae (55 BC), the agreement with Pompey ended and soon Caesar was fighting a civil war with his old ally and many of the Roman senatorial elite. The Civil War was won by Caesar and during the course of many battles, he amassed a great deal of treasure and made himself dictator of Rome. By 44 BC he was the richest man in the Roman Republic, if not the world, and his personal fortune was vast, and he used it to maintain his power. However, his power and his wealth were resented by many members of the Senatorial elite and he was assassinated. After his assassination, he left his considerable fortune to his adopted son Octavian and the population of Rome.
