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High School History 2.5 Cincinnatus (519-430 BC) An Example of Civic Virtue Cincinnatus a Roman Aristocrat and Statesman. Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a Roman aristocrat and statesman with a reputation for outstanding leadership and a willingness to offer service for the greater good. He lacked personal ambition and lived modestly as he sacrificed for his family. He served as consul in 460 BC, a dictator in 458 BC, and again in 439 BC. His life’s example make him a model of civic virtue. A Farmer who needed to feed his family. Cincinnatus was plowing his field, when he learned he had been appointed dictator. The Romans had appointed Cincinnatus dictator for 6 months so he could defend the Romans against the neighboring Aequi and Sabines. He forfeited over 5 months of his term as Dictator when, after only 16 days, he resolved the conflict and returned home. Rome at War During the years of the Roman Republic, Rome was ruled by a combination of a democracy, an aristocracy, and a monarchy. Having witnessed the problems of a monarchy, where only one person ruled the land, and aristocracy, where all power was in the hands of a small privileged ruling class, or a democracy, where the citizens participated, the Romans opted for a mixed form of government that included all three forms. Rome united together behind this new form of government. However, the balance of power was difficult to maintain and Rome was often at risk with their surrounding neighbors. Consequently Rome was involved in many wars. In 458 BC Rome was at war with the Sabines and the Aequi who continually struggled for independence from Rome. Enemies on Two Fronts In 458 BCE the new Roman Republic was struggling to retain its power. The city was under attack on two fronts by ancient enemies, the Sabines and the Aequi. The Aequi continually struggled for independence from Rome and after losing a few battles, the Aequi tricked and trapped the Romans. A few Roman horsemen managed to escape to Rome to warn the Senate of their army's plight. The Sabines were advancing towards Rome, plundering the countryside and destroying settlements when the Aequi, an ancient people of Italy, who launched their invasion with a steadily marching army towards the City. Besieged on two sides and surrounded by enemy soldiers, the Romans knew they were in trouble. The Romans were having trouble defending both of their two borders at the same time. The Sabines The Sabines were an Indo-European tribe that lived in the central Mountains of ancient Italy. The Sabines were divided into two populations just after the founding of Rome. The Sabine population closest to Rome became part of the new city and united with the pre-existing citizenry to form a new heritage. The second population remained a mountain tribal state finally coming to war against Rome for their independence. After losing, it was assimilated into the Roman Republic. Location of the Aequi (Equi) and Sabines in central Italy, 5th century BC. Roman Law Despite the bleak situation, the Senators knew they still had one hope. There was a provision in the Roman law that allowed for the appointment of a position known as Dictator. This position could be filled by the Senate in times of extreme crisis, and the man selected to perform this duty would have absolute, unchecked, unquestioned power over all aspects of the Republic including her armies and her laws. Call to Serve or Opportunity for Power Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was plowing the fields surrounding his humble farm. When the men reached him, they informed him of the dire situation that lay before Rome. The Republic was in great peril, and Cincinnatus was their last hope. He was the only man with the experience and proficiency to lead the Romans to victory over their enemies, and the senate provided him with supreme power to do whatever was needed. Virtue or Revenge? Cincinnatus was regarded by the Romans as one of the heroes of early Rome and as a model of Roman virtue and simplicity. He and his son, Caeso Quinctius, were opponents of any attempt to change the legal situation of plebeians who had increased in wealth and power causing patrician families to fall into poverty and obscurity. Caeso took the opposition to the extreme, and often drove the Tribunal leaders out of the Forum. He was brought to trial on false charges and although no concrete evidence was brought against him he was sentenced to death. Through the pleading of Cincinnatus, who was already a man held in high esteem, Caeso was granted bail. In order to reach the substantial sum that was set, Cincinnatus was forced to sell the vast majority of his estate. Caeso then went into voluntary exile to Etruria, and Cincinnatus forfeited the sum posted with the tribunal as bond. He was falsely convicted of a capital charge and released on bail. He escaped to the Etruscans where he was condemned to death. Cincinnatus had all power of the office of dictator. He could use this power to regain his wealth or manipulate the law to restore what was rightly his. Instead, he completed his task of defeating the rival tribes of the Aequians and Sabines. Within a short six-week period Cincinnatus returned home to his family and farm. Cincinnatus had relinquished five months of any additional power or influence to serve honorable, humbly, and with great simplicity. The Character of Cincinnatus Many ambitious patricians sought out loopholes in Roman law that allowed them to gain power or wealth. They would accumulate great wealth and construct monuments to themselves portraying an exaggerated legacy. Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was not one of these men. Instead, he respected the checks and balances of the new republic and wanted to prevent a return to the monarchy that previously existed in Rome. Once in Rome… Cincinnatus wasted no time appointing a poor, but brilliant warrior, Lucius Tarquitius, Master of Horse and prepared all capable men in Rome to aid Minucius. (Livy, Ab Urbe Condita, 3.27). After observing the enemy forces, Cincinnatus mounted an attack that would force Gracchus and his army to retreat into their camp. Once inside the camp, Minucius and his forces joined Cincinnatus and they attacked the Aequians from both sides. Seeing the inevitability of defeat the Aequians resorted to negotiating with Cincinnatus. Within the terms of the treaty was the handing over of Gracchus in chains and the peaceful surrender of their city Corbio (Dionysius, Roman Antiquities 10.24). Conquering General Cincinnatus The city of Corbio was plundered and the best treasures were sent home to Rome. Cincinnatus chose not to divide any of the remaining spoils with Minucius and his unit and maintained that they should be satisfied with their rescue from certain death. (Livy, Ab Urbe Condita, 3.29). Cincinnatus returned to Rome as a conquering general and was celebrated for the rapid resolution to the conflict that he was selected for. How he fought the enemy! He used Palisades! They were an excellent option for small forts or other hastily constructed fortifications. They were wood quickly and easily built from materials readily available. They proved to be effective protection for short-term conflicts. were an effective deterrent against small forces. trunks were sharpened or pointed at the top, and were driven into the ground. The height of a palisade ranged from a few feet to nearly ten feet. Passing Under the Yoke Cincinnatus rose to the occasion, defeated the Aequi, made them pass under the yoke to show their subjugation. Passing under the yoke was an ancient Italian practice where the victorious army raised an archway with two spears stuck into the ground and a third spear fastened horizontally to their tops forcing the unarmed, defeated army to pass under bowing to their victors. Passing Under the Yoke Discussion What is your impression of the character of Cincinnatus? He ordered his men to build palisades. What kind of palisades do we build in our lives? What kind of materials do we use to build our own palisades? What was the purpose of having the enemy “Pass Under the Yoke?” What role did humility play in the life of Cincinnatus?