Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was born into the ancient Quinctii clan, one of Rome's founding patrician families.

Received the military and civic education expected of a Roman patrician, preparing for leadership.

Began participating in Roman politics, advocating for patrician interests during the conflict of the orders.

Elected consul, serving Rome in its highest regular magistracy during turbulent times.

Lost most of his wealth paying his son's fine, reduced to working a small farm with his own hands.

Worked his four-acre farm personally, finding dignity in honest labor despite his noble birth.

Roman messengers found him plowing his field and informed him the Senate had appointed him dictator to save a trapped army.

Raised an army, marched through the night, and defeated the Aequi in a single battle, saving the trapped Roman legions.

Just sixteen days after being appointed, resigned his absolute power and returned to his farm.

Continued his simple farming life, becoming a symbol of virtue throughout Rome.

At age 80, called again to serve as dictator to defeat the conspiracy of Spurius Maelius.

Quickly ended the threat to the Republic and again immediately resigned his powers.

Returned once more to his farm, his legend now complete as the model of republican virtue.

Respected throughout Rome as the living embodiment of what it meant to be a true Roman citizen.

Died peacefully, his story destined to inspire republics and leaders for over two thousand years.