The Cincinnatus Story
The Story of Cincinnatus
The early Roman nobleman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was an exemplary strategic consultant. In 458 BC, Rome was in peril. An enemy army stood at the city's gates — an adversary with new weapons and innovative offensive tactics.
Cincinnatus, who had retired to a small farm, was implored by the Senate to assume leadership through the crisis. Despite the risk that his family might starve if his crops went unsown, he took command of the Roman army and within sixteen days defeated its foes.
At the battle's end, he immediately relinquished his absolute authority and returned to his farm. Throughout history, Cincinnatus has been cited as a model of leadership, public service, civic virtue, and modesty.