Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a Roman statesman and military leader who lived in the early period of the Roman Republic, around the 5th century BCE. He is celebrated primarily for his model of civic virtue, particularly his commitment to the common good and his rejection of personal power. ### Early Life and Background Cincinnatus was born into a patrician family, the Quinctii, around 519 BCE. Little is known about his early life or career, but he emerged into historical records as a significant figure due to his actions during crises facing Rome. ### Consulship and Early Recognition In 460 BCE, Cincinnatus served as consul, one of the two highest elected officials in the Roman Republic. During his consulship, he demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to Roman law and governance. ### The Legend of 458 BCE Cincinnatus is most famously known for an event in 458 BCE when he was appointed dictator of Rome—a role given extraordinary powers during times of crisis. According to the tradition, he was plowing his farm when messengers arrived to inform him that he had been appointed dictator to lead Rome against the Aequi, a neighboring tribe that had besieged a Roman army. Leaving his plow, Cincinnatus took command, led the Roman forces to a swift and decisive victory, and famously resigned his dictatorship only 16 days after assuming it, returning to his farm. His actions became a symbol of civic virtue, personal integrity, and the ideal of serving the state above personal gain. ### Later Life and Second Dictatorship Cincinnatus was called upon once more in 439 BCE to become dictator to face a political crisis involving Spurius Maelius, who was suspected of aspiring to kingship. According to historical accounts, Cincinnatus handled the situation with decisiveness, executing Maelius and restoring order, again relinquishing his power immediately after the crisis. ### Legacy Cincinnatus died in 430 BCE, but his legacy endured as a paragon of Roman virtues. His life and actions have been used as a benchmark for civic duty and the responsible use of power. He became a cultural icon not only in ancient Rome but also in modern times, influencing various figures and movements, notably the Society of the Cincinnati in the United States, which was named in his honor by officers of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Cincinnatus's life story, while partly mythologized, underscores themes of duty, humility, and the temporary nature of absolute power, making him a lasting symbol in political philosophy and the discourse on leadership and governance.