Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus

NAME Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Dictator of Rome twice, renowned for his selfless service to the Republic and his swift return to civilian life after leading Rome to victory in a crisis.

BIRTH Cincinnatus was likely born around 519 BC during the final years of the Roman Kingdom.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He belonged to the Quinctia family, an ancient patrician clan said to have moved to Rome from Alba Longa under the third Roman king, Tullus Hostilius. The family was both wealthy and influential, and its members held high political positions. Cincinnatus was the son of a man named Lucius Quinctius, and he had a brother, Titus Quinctius Capitolinus Barbatus, who became a consul in 471 BC.

CHILDHOOD Little is known of Cincinnatus’s early life, but his upbringing would have been rooted in the Roman aristocratic tradition, instilling values of discipline, duty, and loyalty to the Republic.

EDUCATION  As a Roman patrician, Cincinnatus would have received an education in Roman law, governance, military strategy, and the civic responsibilities expected of Rome’s ruling class.

CAREER RECORD Consular Tribune in 473 BC

Dictator appointed in 458 BC to quell a revolt led by the Aequi

Dictator appointed again in 439 BC to defend Rome against the Veii

APPEARANCE Cincinnatus’s name, which means "curly-haired," suggests he may have been known for his distinctive curly locks, but no further physical descriptions of him survive.

The sculpture of Cincinnatus in Vienna's Schönbrunn Garden, By Maclemo Wikipedia

FASHION He is often depicted as a simple farmer, wearing modest clothing. As a patrician, Cincinnatus would have worn the toga virilis, the standard garment for Roman men.

CHARACTER Cincinnatus was revered for his modesty, discipline, and selflessness. He symbolized Roman virtue, embodying the ideal of putting the Republic’s needs above personal gain.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Cincinnatus’s detachment from the trappings of power and preference for rural life suggest a grounded, perhaps wry outlook on the excesses of politics.

RELATIONSHIPS Cincinnatus was married to Racilia, who is noted for her loyalty and simplicity, mirroring her husband’s values. The couple had at least one son, Caeso Quinctius, who was exiled after a political controversy.

1553 French portrait of his wife Racilia or Rasilia

MONEY AND FAME Despite his family’s wealth, Cincinnatus lived modestly and is remembered for his willingness to give up the power and prestige of dictatorship to return to his farm. His fame, though great, did not seem to affect his humility.

FOOD AND DRINK Cincinnatus’s preference for a simple agrarian life suggests he enjoyed basic, hearty meals typical of Roman farmers—likely bread, grains, and seasonal produce.

MUSIC AND ARTS There is no record of Cincinnatus’s involvement in the arts, though his agrarian lifestyle may have aligned more with pastoral themes celebrated in later Roman poetry.

LITERATURE Cincinnatus’s legacy has been referenced throughout literature. He appears in Thomas Carlyle’s Sartor Resartus, and his name is echoed in the protagonist of Vladimir Nabokov’s Invitation to a Beheading. His example of relinquishing power inspired writers and political leaders throughout history.

NATURE Cincinnatus was deeply connected to the land. His desire to return to his farm after his military victories speaks to his love for the simple life, in harmony with nature.

PETS As a farmer in ancient Rome, Cincinnatus likely maintained a modest livestock operation typical of the era and region. Based on historical accounts of Roman agriculture, his farm probably included:

Cattle: Oxen were indispensable for plowing fields and hauling carts, while cows provided milk and meat.

Sheep: These animals were crucial for their wool, which was used for clothing, as well as their meat and milk.

Goats: Goats were valued similarly to sheep for their milk, meat, and hair.

Pigs: Pork was a staple in the Roman diet, making pigs a common farm animal.

Poultry: Chickens, ducks, and geese were raised for their eggs and meat.

Donkeys: These sturdy animals were used for transportation and carrying loads.

In addition to these farm animals, Cincinnatus may have also kept dogs for guarding his property and assisting with herding, and cats to control rodents in his grain stores.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Farming was both his livelihood and hobby. Cincinnatus took pride in his work on his small plot of land, which represented a peaceful retreat from the political turmoil of Rome.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Cincinnatus’s life emphasized the practical skills of farming and military organization, essential aspects of Roman society.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Cincinnatus’s actions were driven by a deep sense of duty to the Roman Republic. His willingness to step away from power after fulfilling his responsibility reflected Stoic ideals that were later celebrated in Roman philosophy—particularly the idea that a virtuous life is grounded in fulfilling one’s civic obligations.

POLITICS Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a Roman patrician who lived around the 5th century BC, was the kind of guy who'd rather be tilling his fields than running a country. He was the Roman equivalent of a guy who'd rather be fishing than sitting in a boardroom.

Now, the story goes that when Rome was in a bit of a pickle, they needed someone to save the day. So, they sent for Cincinnatus, who was happily plowing his land. Can you imagine the look on his face when they interrupted his peaceful existence with a "Hey, Cincinnatus, we've got a bit of a problem. Would you mind saving the Republic?"

Apparently, he did. He dropped his plow, put on his toga, and led the Roman army to victory. Then, as soon as the crisis was over, he went back to his farm and started plowing again. It's like he was a superhero who only showed up when absolutely necessary.

Of course, modern historians are a bit skeptical of some of the details in this story. They think it might be a bit exaggerated, like a tall tale told around a campfire. But even if it's not entirely true, it's still a great story. It's a story about a man who valued a simple life and public service equally. And it's a story that reminds us that sometimes, the best heroes are the ones who don't want to be heroes.

Juan Antonio Ribera's c. 1806 Cincinnatus Leaves the Plough to Dictate Laws to Rome

SCANDAL Cincinnatus’s son, Caeso Quinctius, became embroiled in a political scandal that led to his exile. Cincinnatus was said to have been greatly affected by this event, though it did not tarnish his own reputation.

MILITARY RECORD Cincinnatus first gained prominence in 458 BC when he was appointed dictator to rescue a Roman army besieged by the Aequi on Mount Algidus. With remarkable efficiency, Cincinnatus raised a new army, marched to the scene of the conflict, and decisively defeated the Aequi in a single day. Ovid's Fasti records that June 18th was the anniversary of this battle, in which "the Volsci and the Aequi [were] put to flight upon the plains ... of Algidus."

Cincinnatus' swift victory and subsequent triumph in Rome solidified his reputation as a military genius.

In 439 BC, Cincinnatus was reportedly appointed dictator a second time to address a potential internal threat. Although some scholars question the authenticity of this second appointment, it is generally accepted that Cincinnatus played a crucial role in maintaining order within Rome during this period.

Cincinnatus' military leadership was characterized by several key attributes:

Efficiency: He was renowned for his ability to resolve crises quickly and decisively.

Tactical skill: Cincinnatus demonstrated a keen understanding of military strategy, as evidenced by his encirclement of the Aequi.

Discipline: He maintained strict military discipline among his troops, ensuring their effectiveness in battle.

While the exact details of Cincinnatus' military exploits may be shrouded in legend, his legacy as a skilled and selfless leader remains a testament to the Roman ideal of civic virtue.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Cincinnatus’s active farming lifestyle suggests he maintained good physical health and strength, which would have been crucial for his military leadership and life in rural Rome.

HOMES Cincinnatus lived on a small farm outside of Rome. His home was a modest one, reflecting his preference for a simple life over the opulence of city life.

TRAVEL Cincinnatus spent most of his life in and around Rome. His duties as dictator would have required travel for military campaigns, but he seemed to prefer the tranquility of his farm.

DEATH The exact date and circumstances of Cincinnatus’s death are unknown, but he likely passed away in his later years, having lived a full life of service to Rome.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cincinnatus’s story has appeared in numerous historical and cultural works. He is referenced in Carlyle’s Sartor Resartus and Nabokov’s Invitation to a Beheading. He has also been used as a symbol by political figures, including George Washington and Boris Johnson, and his name has been adopted by the cities of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cincinnatus, New York.

ACHIEVEMENTS Cincinnatus is most celebrated for his exemplary civic virtue. His relinquishment of power after military victories became a model for future leaders, particularly George Washington, who was often compared to him. The Society of the Cincinnati was founded in his honor, and his name has been memorialized in cities, literature, and political rhetoric throughout history.