Episode 102 – Cincinnatus, Dictator

It's c. 458 BCE andRome's troubles culminate in the appointment of a dictator. In thisepisode we explore the context which leads to the appointment of thisemergency position and trace Rome's progress as she attempts to faceenemies on multiple fronts.Episode 102 – Cincinnatus, DictatorNot only are Roman forces squaring off against the Sabines and the Aequians, but there are ongoing issues on the home front. According to the narrative histories of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus, the tribunes of the plebs continue to lobby for transparency regarding the laws. The struggle to pin down a public law code seems elusive. In this year it is also overshadowed by the troubles that Minucius' consular forces face in the south-east.The Aequians are currently led by Cloelius Gracchus and the Roman forces led by the consul Minucius have been trapped in a valley, while the other consul Nautius is campaigning against the Sabines.The DictatorOur sources are at pains to let us know that Cincinnatus was both unprepared for his appointment as dictator and not particularly pleased to have the role foist upon him. This is part of a larger trope established in Latin literature of the good leader whose fitness for the role is encapsulated by his lack of ambition for it. In this way, both Livy and Dionysius offer us a chance to see Cincinnatus—and indeed this era of patrician history—as one populated with brave, proud characters who understood the hierarchy and were staunchly traditional in their outlook.What does a dictatordo?As the most significant magistrate in Roman society, the dictator has a superior legal capacity to make commands and can hold the position for up to six months. Despite his generally dissatisfaction with the situation, Cincinnatus jumps straight in. We'll be looking at how he goes about:Raising anarmyOrganisingtroopsAnd gettingon the marchWe explore what Cincinnatus gets up to in the role and how he contributes to supporting Minucius against the Aequians at Mount Algidus. Tune in to hear all about: The military tactics Cincinnatus deploys How Cincinnatus deals with requests for peace Some rather unusual divisions of booty Just what happens to the Aequian city of Corbio A triumph! The incredible virtus of Cincinnatus! Alexander Cabanel 1843. Cincinnatus receives the ambassadors of Rome Our players458 BCEDictatorL. QuinctiusL. f. L. n. CincinnatusMaster of the HorseL. TarquitiusL. f. FlaccusConsulsC. NautiusSp. f. Sp. n. Rutilus – cos IIL. MinuciusP. f. M. n Esquilinus AugurinusPrefect of the CityQ. FabiusVibulanusTribunesAulusVerginiusMarcusVolscius Fictor (it's not certain whether Volscius holds thetribunianship in 459 BCE)Aequian LeaderCloeliusGracchusDictator's wifeRacilia‘Freedom of theCity'L.Mamilius theTusculanSourcesDr Rad explores Livy 3.26-29Dr G is considering Dionysius of Halicarnassus Roman Antiquities 10.23-25Sound CreditsSound Effects courtesy of BBC Sound Effects (Beta) and Free SFXFinal credits: Excerpt from ‘Ancient Arcadian Harp' by CormiFor our full show notes and edited transcripts, head on over to https://partialhistorians.com/Support the showPatreonKo-FiRead our booksRex: The Seven Kings of RomeYour Cheeky Guide to the Roman Empire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.