Having secured his election as Proconsul of Syria in 55BC, Crassus now attempted to emulate the military successes of Caesar and Pompey. He had never been granted a Triumph, his defeat of Spartacus’ slave revolt in the Third Servile War of 71BC not warranting such an accolade. To put himself on equal footing with his fellow Triumvirs, he embarked on an ill-conceived invasion of Parthia. His Legions were utterly defeated at the Battle of Carrhae in 53BC and, at least in one popular myth, he was put to death by having molten gold poured down his throat.
