Cincinnatus

The classical Greek understanding of agrarian life was carried on by the Romans, much like most of Greek culture.  Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (520-430 BC) is probably the best-known Roman farmer.  He began his life as a member of a noble patrician family, and grew up a wealthy politician who was a constant opponent of the plebians: the free, land-owning Roman citizens.  He prevented the plebs from passing laws that would protect their rights as citizens and their private property.  In fact his son, Caeso, was accused of capital crimes by the Senate when he drove the plebians out of the Forum, disrupting their meetings.  Caeso was condemned to death and Cincinnatus had to pay a large fine.  The payments forced him into the position of selling most of his landholdings and becoming a subsistence farmer on a small property.

Later, when Rome was at war with the Aequi and Sabine tribes, Cincinnatus was called on by the Roman Senate and elected consul.  His senators came to him while he was ploughing his field with a request for him to become dictator, or "Master of the People," for a period of six months.  Livy states that Cincinnatus immediately came to Rome and ordered every man of military age to be summoned to war by the end of the day.  The Aequi tribes were quickly routed by Cincinnatus and his men, who spared their lives.  Sixteen days after becoming dictator, Cincinnatus resigned his position and returned home to his farm.

Later, Cincinnatus was called upon once again to become dictator.  This time his job was to capture Spurius Mealius, who had conspired to crown himself king of Rome.  He once again brought about a swift justice and sent Mealius to trial where he was killed.  He then resigned his commission a second time and went home to farm.

Cincinnatus' pattern of taking on the mantle of authority two times, and willingly laying it down was deliberately reflected in the action of George Washington.  Two terms he was elected president before he willingly lay down his executive power and went home to his farm.  Consequently, every American president (except Franklin Roosevelt) followed this pattern, until it became law in the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.