Priscus Attalus

Priscus Attalus was a late ancient Greek origin senator and as a usurper twice Western Roman Emperor.

Attalus was 409 city prefect of Rome in the year. In the same year he was, up to that time a non-Christian, baptized by the Arian creed. He was proclaimed it was strongly supported by the Visigoths to the anti-emperor; The aim of the mutinous Gothic warrior was to obtain from the Roman State, to supply ( annona militaris ). Since Emperor Honorius in Ravenna refused this for years, rose Alaric, the leader of the Goths, in the form of Attalus now have their own Augustus, so this could close with him appropriate contracts on behalf of Rome. Since Honorius was generally unpopular, the new emperor was initially quite gather followers around him. But comes Africae Heraclianus held to Honorius, interrupting the vital grain supplies from North Africa to Italy. As Attalus and the Senate refused to run against him for a full-scale war, put Alaric "his" Emperor again and again took negotiations with Honorius on.

Also Attalus ' second reign did not last long. The new Westgotenführer Athaulf let him 414 in Burdigala (now Bordeaux) again proclaimed Emperor; then served that among other Paulinus of Pella, who complained later that the warrior Athaulf Attalus and his followers would have treated badly. Beginning 416 Athaulf agreed with the Imperial Court in Ravenna. Attalus was extradited and forced to participate in Honorius ' triumphal 416 in Rome ( this was the last Roman triumph that has ever been celebrated in Italy). His two fingers were cut off, but you spared his life so that he could end his days in exile on the Aeolian Islands.