Chapter 3, Crassus Summary and Analysis

Crassus is well-mannered and temperate, likely because he had grown up having family meals with his parents, two brothers and their families, making family an important part of his life. His one vice seems to be avarice and he buys up land after Sulla's return to power, often with the houses burned or even on fire, making owners anxious to sell cheaply. He owns many slaves and oversees their education himself, often loans money at no interest but always requires repayment, owns silver mines and often throws dinner parties—noted not for the lavish fare but for the friendliness—for ordinary people.

When Marius and Cinna take over Rome, Crassus' brother and father are killed but the young Crassus is spared. With three friends and ten servants, he escapes to Spain but fears approaching anyone and hides...