Explanation: Marcus Licinius Crassus was a prominent politician of the Late Republic and the richest man in Rome (very interesting fellow, but we’ll keep the tangents to a minimum). He was part of the first Triumvirate (‘rule of three men’) with Pompey Magnus and Julius Caesar. After a time, he decided it was not enough to be wealthy, he wanted more glory as well - so he invaded Parthia with an army of 40,000 soldiers.

He lost. Horribly. Most of his army was wiped out, and he himself was captured. According to legend (almost certainly untrue, but fun nonetheless), the Parthians, due to his infamous greed and wealth, tortured him to death by pouring molten gold into his mouth. A truly gilded end!

• Crassus minutes before his death.