A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

consul suffectus from the first of November, A. D. 69, declared in favour of Vespasian at Rome, and with the other partisans of Vespasian seized the Capitol. Here they were attacked by the soldiers of Vitellius ; the Capitol was burnt down, and Atticus, with most of the other leaders of his party, taken prisoner. Atticus was not put to death by Vitellius; and probably in order to obtain the pardon of the emperor, he admitted that he had set fire to the Capitol, as Vitellius was anxious that his party should not bear the odium of this deed. (Tac. Hist. 3.73-75; D. C. 65.17.)