10 - History Spotlight
(Cont...)
A story later emerged that, after Crassus' death,
the Parthians poured molten gold into his mouth
in symbolic mockery of his thirst for wealth.
Crassus was no fool, but he was a victim of his
own ambitions. In a world where money talks but
military triumphs scream, Crassus became a
cautionary tale of what happens when you
mistake wealth for omnipotence.
Clodius' Crimes
1st VP Kori McLane (Summit)
Wreaking havoc from 93 to 52 BCE, Publius Clodius Pulcher was a menace to society. He hailed from Claudia gens, one of Rome's oldest families, but claimed to be adopted by a plebian so he could run for tribune. He even changed his name from Claudius to Clodius to sound more plebian! He made three main enemies all before the age of twenty-seven: Cicero, Catiline, and Ptolemy of Cyprus.
Cicero wrote detailed accounts of Clodius' scandals as a political enemy; After accusing Catiline of sleeping with a Vestal Virgin, Catiline kicked him out of Rome as revenge for the accusations. After being removed from Rome, Clodius went to Cilicia and was placed in command of his brother-in-law's fleet. He was shortly thereafter captured by pirates, whom he told told to ransom him to Ptolemy of Cyprus for his release. Ptolemy of Cyprus offered $5 and perhaps a few grapes for Clodius' ransom. The pirates, being offered $2.50 and half an apple from Ptolemy for Clodius' return, let him go, very amused. Clodius was not as amused and then started a mutiny.
The extended list of his crimes, all committed within 41 years of birth, is an unattainable standard for us common folk and is thus listed in alphabetical order: