The Republic
Cincinnatus
He led Rome in a crisis, then went back to his farm.
Years. About 519 BC to 430 BC
We are not sure. The farm story is a legend we cannot check. His dates are traditional, not certain.
Three short facts
- 1Stories say he was plowing when messengers came.
- 2He was made dictator, a short-term emergency leader.
- 3He gave the power back instead of keeping it.
The story
Romans told this story when they wanted a humble hero.
Cincinnatus left his field.
He led the army.
Then he went home.
The point of the tale is that power should be temporary.