# Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Lucius Quintius Cincinnatus in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Quintius, Cincinnatus

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Roman dictator who left his farm to save Rome and returned to farming.

## In the story

### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/l)

As consul, his disagreement with his colleague brought the city's business to a halt.

### [How an hereditary king may come to lose his kingdom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned indirectly as an example of good governance; the text references Timoleon and Aratus as models of prudent and beloved rulers.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiv)

Cited as a virtuous example who refused an extended consulship, warning against setting evil precedents.

### [Of the poverty of Cincinnatus and of many other Roman citizens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxv)

Appointed dictator while tilling his small farm of four acres; he defeated the Equians, rescued Minutius, and refused to let the rescued army share in the spoils.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xli)

Mentioned as Lucius Lentulus, the Roman lieutenant who advised accepting dishonorable terms to save the army.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/lucius_quintius_cincinnatus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters