Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus
| Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus | |
|---|---|
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| Consul of the Roman Republic | |
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In office 460 BC |
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| Preceded by | Publius Valerius Publicola and Gaius Claudius Inregillensis Sabinus |
| Succeeded by | Quintus Fabius Vibulanus and Lucius Cornelius Maluginensis Uritinus |
| Dictator | |
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In office 458 BC |
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| Dictator | |
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In office 439 BC |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 519 BC Kingdom of Rome |
| Died | 430 BC (aged c. 89) Roman Republic |
| Spouse(s) | Racilia |
| Religion | Ancient Roman religion |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 Roman Republic
|
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Mons Algidus |
Lucius Quinctius or Quintius Cincinnatus (c. 519–430 BC) was a Roman patrician, statesman, and military leader of the early Republic who became a legendary figure of Roman virtues—particularly Roman manliness and civic virtue—by the time of the Empire.
Supposedly, Cincinnatus was a conservative opponent of the rights of the plebeians who fell into penury because of his son's violent opposition to their desire for a written code of equitably-enforced laws. Despite his old age, he worked his own small farm until an invasion prompted his fellow citizens to call for his leadership. He came from his plough to assume complete control over the state but, upon achieving a swift victory, relinquished his power and its perquisites and returned to his farm. His success and immediate resignation of his near-absolute authority with the end of this crisis (traditionally dated to 458 BC) has often been cited as an example of outstanding leadership, service to the greater good, civic virtue, lack of personal ambition, and modesty. As a result, he has inspired a number of organizations and other entities, some named in his honor.
Modern historians question some particulars of the story recounted in Livy and elsewhere but usually accept Cincinnatus as a historical figure who served as suffect consul in 460 BC and as dictator in 458 BC and (possibly) again in 439 BC, when the patricians called on him to suppress the feared uprising of the plebs under Spurius Maelius.
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Wikipedia