While Crassus received glory from quelling of the Spartacus Rebellion in 72-71 BC, military achievements would not be his forte. His two partners in the Triumvirate, Crassus and Pompey, were brilliant and celebrated military heroes - a fame that would elude Crassus.

Relations between Crassus and Pompey were extremely contentious. To prove himself militarily, Crassus assembled an army that he led to Syria where he planned to invade Rome's greatest enemy, Parthia. Through his inept military skills, Crassus lost his legions as well as his life in 53 BC in Carrhae, Mesopotamia.