A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

5. C.SemproniusAtratinus, A. F. A. N., son of No. 2, whence he is called by Livy (4.44) the patronus of No. 4, was consul B. C. 423, and had the conduct of the war against the Volscians. Through his negligence and carelessness the Roman army was nearly defeated, and was saved only through the exertions of Sex. Tempanius, one of the officers of the cavalry. The battle was undecided, when night put an end to it; and both armies abandoned their camps, considering it lost. The conduct of Atratinus excited great indignation at Rome, and he was accordingly accused by the tribune L. Hortensius, but the charge was dropt in consequence of the entreaties of Tempanius and three others of his colleagues, who had served under Atratinus, and had been elected tribunes. It was revived, however, in 420, and Atratinus was condemned to pay a heavy fine. (Liv. 4.37_42, 44; V. Max. 6.5.2.)