brother of Magnentius, by whom he was created Caesar and soon after put to death, when the tyrant, finding that his position was hopeless, in a transport of rage, massacred all his relations and friends, and then, to avoid falling into the power of his rival, perished by his own hands. According to Zonaras, however, Desiderius was not actually killed, but only grievously wounded, and upon his recovery surrendered to Constantius. No genuine medals of this prince are extant. (Zonar. 13.9; Julian, Orat. frag.; Chron. Alexand. p. 680, ed. 1615; Eckhel, vol. viii. p. 124.)
[W.R]A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology
Smith, William
A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890