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succeeded Alaric, in 412. Two years later, while feuding with Honorius, Athaulf placed Attalus once
again on the throne. In 415, however, after losing much of southern Gaul to a blockade, the Goths
abandoned Attalus, and he was captured by Honorius' men. Maimed, he was exiled to the island of
Lipara.
¤ ATTIANUS, PUBLIUS ACILIUS (fl. early 2nd century A.D.) A Praetorian prefect under emperors
TRAJAN and HADRIAN, who in 117 ensured the succession of Hadrian. Trajan had recognized
Hadrian's potential. When the lad was orphaned as a child, he had ensured that an education in Rome and
every possibility for advancement be provided for him. Acilius Attianus, an Equestrian and compatriot of
Trajan, was given the task of adopting and raising Hadrian. His influence was considerable, and through
Attianus a marriage was arranged between Hadrian and Trajan's relative Vibia Sabina. Hadrian went to
various successful commands, while Attianus served as prefect of the Praetorian Guard. Trajan died
suddenly in August of 117 in Selinus, a small town beyond Syria. The legions of the East, with Attianus
and the Praetorians behind them, proclaimed Hadrian emperor. Because Trajan had not officially adopted
Hadrian, the presence of Attianus and Empress PLOTINA ensured the succession.
Attianus immediately took up his post as advisor to the new emperor, still serving as prefect. When a
conspiracy of generals who feared Hadrian's non-imperialistic policies was discovered in Rome, Attianus
sent agents of the speculatores to the rebels. Four generals were executed as a result. Public outrage
reached the ears of the emperor, who understood the danger of alienating public sympathy. Attianus, his
past services and patronage notwithstanding, was removed from his command but given consular honors
and a senatorial rank.
¤ ATTILA
Attila the Hun, from a plate in Italy
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