{"id":8639,"date":"2023-11-30T12:25:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T11:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=8639"},"modified":"2023-11-30T12:25:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T11:25:15","slug":"why-was-cincinnatus-so-admired-by-the-ancient-romans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/why-was-cincinnatus-so-admired-by-the-ancient-romans\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Was Cincinnatus So Admired By The Ancient Romans"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The ancient Romans admired the great Roman Senator Cincinnatus because of his dedication to public service, his leadership abilities, and his humility. Cincinnatus is one of the few figures in Roman history who is seen as a model of virtus, a Latin term for ‘excellence of character.’ <\/p>\n

No one knows for certain when Cincinnatus was born, but he is believed to have lived in the 5th century BCE. He was a farmer who was elected magistrate of the Roman Republic from 458 to 439 BCE. During this time, the Republic was engaged in a series of wars against its neighbors. Cincinnatus was chosen to lead the Republic’s armies against their enemies and he is credited with successfully defending the Republic against the Aequi and the Volsci. <\/p>\n

Cincinnatus’s most famous act of service was when he was called upon to serve as dictator of Rome. In 458 BCE, the Republic was in a state of crisis and was in need of a leader with extraordinary abilities. Cincinnatus was chosen to lead the Republic during this crisis and he is credited with rescuing Rome from disaster. He is said to have accepted the offer without hesitation and he served as dictator for just sixteen days. During this time, he was able to lead the Republic to victory over its enemies and restore the Republic to stability. <\/p>\n

After his service as dictator, Cincinnatus returned to his farm and refused the rewards and honors that were offered to him by the Republic. This act of humility earned him the respect and admiration of the Roman people, who believed him to be an example of a perfect Roman citizen. His unselfishness and dedication to public service were seen by many as the traits of a true Roman patriot and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest leaders in Roman history. <\/p>\n