A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

called ODOTHAEUS by Claudian, became with Saphrax, in A. D. 376, on the death of Vithimir, the guardian of Vithericus, the young king of the Greuthungi, the chief tribe of the Ostrogoths. Alatheus and Saphrax led their people across the Danube in this year, and uniting their forces with those of the Visigoths under Fritigern, took part against the Romans in the battle of Hadrianople, A. D. 378, in which the emperor Valens was defeated and killed. After plundering the surrounding country, Alatheus and Saphrax eventually recrossed the Danube, but appeared again on its banks in 386, with the intention of invading the Roman provinces again. They were, however, repulsed, and Alatheus was slain. (Amm. Marc. 31.3, &c.; Jornand. de Reb. Get. 26, 27; Claudian, de IV Cons. Honor. 626; Zosimus, 4.39.)