WHO WAS CRASSUS?
Marcus Crassus, the epitome of the Roman nuevo rich aristocrat, lived at the same time as Julius Caesar. Early on in his career, he became the richest man in Rome. He dabbled in everything and was an entrepreneur of unparalleled creativity! He is credited with creating the first regular fire department. In those days, Rome was built mainly of wood. (Marble came later, beginning with Augustus) Needless to say, there were many fires. Crassus would show up at a fire with his tankers full of water. The hapless homeowner did not receive a drop however until he agreed to pay what ever charge Crassus felt like making! Needless to say, with every passing moment that he delayed in agreement, the distraught homeowner was subject to higher and higher charges. Crassus exhibited a great deal of talent in a variety of fields and proved to be an above average general as well. He is credited with subduing the slave revolt of Sparticus, though in reality, it was the last minute arrival of Pompey and hi
