Ancient Rome: The Story of Cincinnatus

Today we discussed the Roman dictator Cincinnatus. In the painting, Cincinnatus is the man holding the staff and being offered the fancy red toga.

The students learned about the difference between the Roman idea of a dictator (a temporary leader during a time of emergency) and the current-day idea of a dictator (a ruthless leader with total control over a country).

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Here's an excerpt from Livy's account of Cincinnatus being interrupted while working on his farm:

Cincinnatus was pushing a stake into a ditch. 

After saluting him, the Romans asked him to put on his toga and listen to the requests of the Senate. 

Cincinnatus was greatly astonished. He called to his wife Racilia and asked her to bring his toga from their hut.  

When he had put on his toga, and wiped off some of the sweat and dust from his body, the Romans congratulated him and saluted him as dictator.  

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 Leah B. and Peter asked a great question about the word dictator: When did people start to use the word dictator to describe a harsh leader with total control, rather than a temporary leader during a time of emergency?  Why did the meaning of this word change?