Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a model of Roman virtue.  He was a farmer above all, although when called to serve his country, he did so willingly - - briefly and without ambition.

In Rome, five centuries before Christ was born (458 B.C.), a retired consul of the Empire, Cincinnatus had  returned to farming.  However, the Romans were at war with the Aequians.  After losing a few battles, the Aequians tricked and trapped the Romans.  A few Roman horsemen managed to escape to Rome to warn the Senate of their army's plight.  The Senate appointed Cincinnatus dictator for six months so he could defend the Empire.

Cincinnatus was plowing his field when he learned he had been appointed dictator.  Being the loyal patriot that he was, Cincinnatus turned to his wife Racilia and said, "We may not have enough food to live on this winter because we won't be able to sow our fields."  Nevertheless, he wiped his perspiring forehead, took on the regalia of a dictator, and loyally assumed the responsibilities and duties that the Roman Senate had placed upon him.

Cincinnatus rid the city of Rome of the threats, and he relieved the Roman legions that were being surrounded by the Aequians.  Within 16 days, Cincinnatus had accomplished his mission, given up the title of dictator and promptly returned to his farm. 

Later, at over 80 years old, Cincinnatus was again appointed dictator for a Roman crisis in the wake of a grain distribution scandal.

Cincinnatus is a timeless model of simplicity, of one who did not seek power, who did not want power.  Nonetheless, he willingly accepted the power thrust upon him, and as soon as his task was accomplished also willingly gave up this power.



There is a statue of Cincinnatus (top right) in Cincinnati's Sawyer Point and a mural of him (above left) on Central Parkway.