Crassus deeply entangled in Parthia, and with a record of failure – and Caesar with post mortem deification as perhaps his most lasting consolation for a daring political and military life. Pompey would face the most shameful end, treacherously murdered in Egypt in the wake of his defeat at Pharsalus in the great civil war against Caesar. It is perhaps interesting to note that Lucullus’ demise had more in common with the final days of his mentor Sulla than with any of his great rivals for military fame and political glory. Lucullus was an optimate politician
