Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome, takes on new allies Catiline and Julius Caesar. Topics include defusing resentment, power of debt in Rome, playing for hard prizes, Cicero's mortgage, and political tensions with Pompey and Cato.
The power of alliances and political maneuvers in Roman politics.
The role of debt and financial leverage in securing power and influence.
The importance of skillful manipulation and control over supporters to avoid political setbacks.
Deep dives
The Rise of Pompey and Crassus
Pompey and Crassus, two influential Roman figures, rise to power through their political maneuvers and alliances. Crassus cements ties with conservative nobles, while Pompey gains fame through military conquests, becoming the most glorious Roman alive. Both leaders face challenges in the Senate and need each other's support.
The Triumvirate
Julius Caesar proposes a secret meeting with Crassus and Pompey to form the Triumvirate, an alliance to break through the Senate obstructionism and secure their goals. Caesar's persuasive skills bring the arch-rivals together, but his own power is overshadowed by the other two. The Triumvirate is seen as a threat to the Republic by some, but it lays the foundation for Caesar's future greatness.
The Challenges Ahead
With the Triumvirate established, Crassus aims to secure his position and wealth, while Pompey seeks solutions to fulfill his promises to his soldiers and retain his power. The three men face opposition from figures like Cato the younger. Their alliance opens up new possibilities but also raises concerns about the concentration of power in their hands.
The Conspiracy and Feud
During the podcast, the speaker discusses the conspiracy led by Cataline to take over the state, set fire to parts of the city, assassinate nobles, and seize the forum. Cataline was supported by Crassus, who saw the plot as an opportunity to gain power and potentially forgive his own massive debt to Cataline. A letter implicating Crassus in the conspiracy was brought before the Senate, but due to his influence and control over supporters, the Senate rejected the evidence and locked up the accuser. The conspiracy was eventually crushed, with Cataline's forces defeated, but Crassus emerged politically unscathed.
The Triumvirate and Political Maneuvering
The podcast also highlights the formation of a secret alliance known as the triumvirate between Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. While Pompey was loved by the people and had the glory of a conqueror, Crassus realized the need to control him and prevent him from becoming too powerful. By supporting Caesar's initiatives and aiding him to secure a prestigious pro-consular command in Gaul, Crassus established himself as a check on Pompey's ambitions. Furthermore, Crassus skillfully manipulated political events and allegiances, using his charm, gamesmanship, and control over the minor elites to solidify his power and avoid suffering any major political setbacks.
Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome. The plot thickens in the contest with Pompey, and Crassus takes on new allies: Catiline and Julius Caesar.
In this episode: -How to defuse the resentment of opponents you've beaten -The power of debt at Rome -Fighting for the hardest prizes, but playing it like a game -Cicero's mortgage and homeowner headaches
