Res Gestae

After his demise Vithimiris was made king and resisted the Halani for a time, relying on other Huns, whom he had paid to take his side. But after many defeats which he sustained, he was overcome by force of arms and died in battle. In the name of his little son, Viderichus, the management of affairs was undertaken by Alatheus and Saphrax, experienced generals known for their courage; but since the stress of circumstances compelled them to abandon confidence in resistance, they cautiously retreated until they came to the river Danastius,[*](Also called the Tyras, to-day the Dniester.) which flows through the wide extent of plain between the Hister and the Borysthenes.[*](To-day the Dnieper.)

On learning of these unexpected events, Athanarichus, the chief of the Theruingi (against whom, as has been told before,[*](Cf. xxvii. 5, 6.) because of aid which he had sent to Procopius, Valens had recently taken the field) attempted to stand his ground, and if he too should be attacked like the rest, was ready to put forth all his strength.