Cincinnatus Legacy Essay

Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was an important figure to the Ancient Romans. He was an example of the ideal Roman citizen. He was heroic, and even though his legacy could have been a myth, it served a useful purpose by unifying the citizens of Rome. In the middle of the 5th century, the Roman Republic was under attack by the people of central Italy. Many leaders knew about Cincinnatus’ ability to battle, and his great virtue, so they appointed him to be the dictator in this time of need. He was simply working on his farm when a mission from the city found him. He was asked to put on his toga and listen to the Senate’s instructions. Cincinnatus accepted the dictatorship and went to war. After he helped the Republic, Cincinnatus resigned because he cared more about Rome than himself. Although Cincinnatus was considered a hero by many, he was not thought as one by some Romans. In Rome, “not everyone believed him to be heroic, even during his lifetime, there were many in Rome who would not call him a hero.” The people
It does not matter if it was or was not because he was a model of a Roman citizen and demonstrated important characteristics to the Romans. The legacy was especially important because: it “served a useful purpose by rallying the citizens of the fledgling Republic together as one, demonstrating that a loyal citizen must place the matters of the state over his own self-interest.” The so-called myth taught a lesson to the Romans explaining that to be a loyal citizen you need to things for the state and not just yourself. It brought Rome together. Even “Cicero, who wrote of the dictator’s recall in 439 BCE, raised some doubt to the supposed legendary exploits” Writers also questioned the legend that they had written. Although people to this day still wonder if the story is true, it does not matter. It was purposeful and special and even if it was definitely valid it would still serve the same