Publius Licinius Crassus Dives

Publius Licinius Crassus Dives (died 87 BC) was a member of the respected and prominent Crassi branch of the plebeian Licinius gens as well as the father of the famed Marcus Licinius Crassus. His father was Marcus Licinius Crassus Agelastus (son of the consul Publius Licinius Crassus, Pontifex Maximus) and his brother Marcus Licinius Crassus served as a praetor in 107 BC.

Publius became a financial backer of the Roman colony of Narbonese Gaul (modern Narbonne, France). Before his consulship, he proposed a law regulating expenses of the table, which was approved. He became consul in 97 BC. In his consulship, the senate abolished practice of magic arts and human sacrifice. Between 97-93 BC, he served in Hispania Ulterior as governor and won a battle over the Lusitani, for which he was awarded and honored with a triumph.

He served as a censor in 89 BC. As a censor, he banned foreign wines and unguents. Later became an electorate officer dividing new citizens into voting districts. His colleague was long-time friend Lucius Julius Caesar III.

Publius had a small house despite his immense wealth. His sons by his wife Venuleia were Publius Licinius Crassus (who died in the Social War), Lucius Licinius Crassus (killed in 87 BC) and Marcus Licinius Crassus Dives, the triumvir. He remained with his family for the rest of his life, living long enough to see the two elder sons Publius and Lucius marry, as well as the birth of his first grandchildren.

Conflict between the Populares under Gaius Marius and the Optimates under Lucius Cornelius Sulla was escalating in the 80s BC. Although originally a supporter of Marius, Publius adopted a more neutral position opposed to the methods of both Marius and Sulla. He was killed, or committed suicide to avoid a more humiliating death, after the Marians took Rome in 87 BC.

References

* Plutarch - Fall of the Roman Republic, Crassus
* Livy - Histories of Rome