Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi 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’s adoptive paternal grandfather was consul and general Marcus Licinius Crassus. Crassus was the grandson of triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus and the last known direct descendant of his grandfather. He had a sister called Licinia who married the consul Lucius Calpurnius Piso; their son, Gaius Calpurnius Piso, was a conspirator against the Emperor Nero. Frugi served as a praetor and in 27 as ordinary consul as the colleague of Lucius Calpurnius Piso, under the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Sometime after 44 AD, he served as governor of Mauretania. Frugi later appeared to come into favor with Emperor Claudius, who had successfully conquered Britain, adding it as a province to the Empire. In celebration of his victory, in 43, Claudius had held a triumph parade in Rome, which Frugi attended. On this occasion, Claudius exempted Frugi from wearing a purple-bordered toga. Frugi came dressed to the parade in a palm-embroidered tunic and rode a caparisoned charger. Little else is known on Frugi.
Family
Frugi had married a noblewoman called Scribonia. She was of the highest birth and had descended from ancient, distinguished and politically influential blood. 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, Marcus Licinius Crassus Scribonianus. Sometime between 68 and 69 the general Marcus Antonius Primus had offered to make Scribonianus Emperor, but Scribonianus declined.
A son, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus or Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus. Licinianus was adopted by the brief Emperor Galba, who reigned between 68–69. Licinianus became Galba’s son and heir, and was murdered on the orders of Otho, another aspirant to the throne. Licinianus married a woman called Verania Germina, who came from a family of consular rank.
A daughter, Licinia Magna. She married the Senator Lucius Calpurnius Piso, who served as one of the consuls in 57. 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. 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, the three were placed in the tomb of Licinii Calpurnii located on the Via Salaria. Also placed in the tomb was their son, Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi minor.
