Cincinnatus, Lucius Quinctius (lived 5th century BC)

Roman general. Having served as consul in 460 BC, he retired from political life to work on his farm. However, he was called back and appointed dictator in 458 BC, and he defeated the Aequi (an Italian people) in a brief campaign. Having held office for just 16 days, he returned to his farm and resumed life as a yeoman farmer. He became a legend for republican idealism.