A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. M'.OctaciliusCrassus, was consul in B. C. 263 with M'. Valerius Maximus, and crossed with a numerous army over to Sicily. After having induced many of the Sicilian towns to surrender, the consuls advanced against Hiero of Syracuse. The king, in compliance with the desire of his people, concluded a peace, which the Romans gladly accepted, and in which he gave up to them the towns they had taken, delivered up the Roman prisoners, and paid a contribution of 200 talents. He thus became the ally of Rome. In B. C. 246 Crassus was consul a second time with M. Fabius Licinus, and carried on the war against the Carthaginians, though nothing of any consequence seems to have been accomplished. (Plb. 1.16 &c.; Zonar. 8.9 ; Eutrop. 2.10; Oros. 4.7; Gellius, 10.6.)