Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi

Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi (flourished 1st century AD) was a Roman nobleman of consular rank who lived during the Roman Empire. Frugi's mother was an unnamed Roman woman, while his father was consul and governor Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi. Frugi's adoptive paternal grandfather was consul and general Marcus Licinius Crassus the Younger. Crassus was the grandson of triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus and the last known direct descendant of his grandfather. He had a daughter called Licinia who married the consul Lucius Calpurnius Piso; their son, Gaius Calpurnius Piso, was a conspirator against the Emperor Nero.

Life His career as a public figure has been preserved in an inscription preserved at Rome. Frugi served as an urban praetor, then in 27 as ordinary consul with Lucius Calpurnius Piso as his colleague. Sometime after 44, he served as governor of Mauretania. He was also admitted to the Collegium Pontificum, one of the four most prestigious ancient Roman priesthoods.

When the Emperor Claudius left Rome to complete the conquest of Britain, in the words of Barbara Levick Frugi was one of a "galaxy of consular distinguished for high pretensions or military talent" who accompanied him, thus sharing "the glory -- and were kept from mischief in Rome". When Claudius celebrated his victory upon his return to Rome in 43 with a triumph, Frugi was included. On this occasion, Claudius exempted Frugi from wearing a purple-bordered toga (he had earned the same honour on a previous occasion). Frugi came dressed to the parade in a palm-embroidered tunic and rode a caparisoned charger.

Family Frugi had married a noblewoman called Scribonia. Scribonia was a direct descendant of Pompeia, the daughter of triumvir Pompey from his third marriage to Mucia Tertia.

Scribonia bore Frugi the following children: A son, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. After his death, his widow Sulpicia Praetextata appeared in 70 at a meeting of the Senate, seeking vengeance for Frugi's death. With Sulpicia Praetextata, Frugi had three sons and a daughter: Lucius Scribonius Libo Rupilius Frugi Bonus (consul in 88), Marcus Licinius Scribonianus Camerinus, and Gaius Calpurnius Piso Crassus Frugi Licinianus (consul in 87); the daughter was Licinia Praetextata, who served as a Chief Vestal Virgin. A son, Marcus Licinius Crassus Scribonianus. A son, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus, Piso was later killed on the orders of Emperor Vespasian. Licinia and Piso had a daughter called Calpurnia, who married Calpurnius Piso Galerianus, son of Gaius Calpurnius Piso (co-consul in 41 with Claudius). Calpurnius Piso Galerianus was executed in 70 for opposing Vespasian. Licinia died at an unknown date between 70 and 80, as her grave altar, found on the grounds of Villa Bonaparte near the Porta Salaria, is dated from this period. The land may have been part of the family's suburban estates and her grave altar is now on display at the Vatican Museums.

In the spring of 47, Frugi, his wife, and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus were executed on the orders of Empress Valeria Messalina, after which, their remains were placed in the tomb of Licinii Calpurnii located on the Via Salaria. Also interred in the tomb was their son, Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi minor.