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The Story of Cincinnatus
There is perhaps no better account of how the virtues of responsibility and simplicity
allowed good Roman citizens to succeed during the difficulties of the 400s BC than the story of
Cincinnatus. He was chosen dictator to defend Rome against outside attacks. The position of
dictator was a temporary office used only in emergencies. The dictator would have unlimited
power and be appointed for a limited time, usually six months. In this account Cincinnatus
accomplished his mission, defeated the attackers, and returned to his simple farm in just 15 days.
The city was thrown into a state of chaos, and the general alarm was as great as if Rome
herself were surrounded. It was quickly decided that the situation called for a dictator.
Cincinnatus was named for the position with no one opposing.
Now I would like to bring to attention to those many people who think that money is
everything in this world, and that ability is inseparable from wealth. Let them observe that
Cincinnatus, the one man in whom Rome placed all her hope of survival, was at that moment
working a little 3 acre farm just west of the Tiber river.
When Cincinnatus arrived at the Senate he was asked to put on his toga and hear the
Senate's instructions. His toga was brought by his wife, and wiping the sweat from his hands and
face, he put it on. At this moment he was congratulated as dictator and was invited to enter
Rome. He was informed of the terrible danger of the invaders’ army. A Roman ship was waiting
for him on the river, where he was welcomed by his three sons who had come to meet him.
Closely attended by senators, Cincinnatus proceeded through the streets of Rome. Great crowds
gathered to see this new dictator, but many were not pleased to see the dictator because they
were afraid of how he may use his power.
Cincinnatus proceeded to raise an army, march out of Rome, and defeat the invaders.
Cincinnatus then planned to return to Rome. The Senators invited him to enter the city in
triumph with his troops through a parade. The chariot he rode in was preceded by the enemy
commanders and followed by his army loaded with its spoils. Cincinnatus finally resigned if
you're holding office for 15 days, having originally accepted it for a period of six months.
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If Rome was a republic, why would they appoint a dictator? What was the dictator’s job?
Explain the state of Rome during the time of Cincinnatus.
Read the underlined paragraph. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, what is the writer saying?
What occupation did Cincinnatus have?
Explain how many people felt about Cincinnatus as dictator.
Explain the accomplishment of Cincinnatus.