# Priscus Attalus

> prefect of Rome and usurper 409-411 CE

**Wikidata**: [Q316286](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316286)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priscus_Attalus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/priscus-attalus

## Summary
Priscus Attalus was a Roman politician and usurper who briefly ruled as Western Roman Emperor from 409 to 411 CE. A prefect of Rome, he was installed by the Visigothic king Alaric I during a period of political turmoil, marking a significant episode in the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

## Biography
- **Born**: 400 CE (exact place unknown)
- **Nationality**: Roman (citizen of Ancient Rome)
- **Occupation**: Politician, Prefect of Rome, Usurper Emperor (409–411 CE)
- **Known for**: Serving as a puppet emperor under Visigothic control during the early 5th century
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Roman administration

## Contributions
Priscus Attalus's primary role was as a political figure during the crisis of the Western Roman Empire. His most notable contribution was his brief reign as emperor (409–411 CE), during which he was installed by Alaric I, the king of the Visigoths, as part of a power struggle against Emperor Honorius. His rule was short-lived, ending when he was deposed and later exiled. While his reign did not produce lasting administrative or military reforms, it highlighted the fragility of Roman authority in the face of barbarian influence.

## FAQs
**Who was Priscus Attalus?**
Priscus Attalus was a Roman politician who briefly usurped the throne of the Western Roman Empire from 409 to 411 CE, serving as a puppet ruler under the Visigothic king Alaric I.

**What was Priscus Attalus's role in Roman politics?**
He initially served as the Prefect of Rome before being proclaimed emperor by Alaric I during a period of conflict with Emperor Honorius. His reign was marked by dependence on Visigothic support.

**Why is Priscus Attalus significant in history?**
His brief rule exemplifies the political instability of the early 5th century and the growing influence of barbarian leaders in Roman affairs, foreshadowing the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.

## Why They Matter
Priscus Attalus matters as a symbol of the Western Roman Empire's decline. His reign underscored the weakening of central Roman authority and the rising power of Germanic tribes like the Visigoths. While his rule was short and largely ineffective, it demonstrated how external forces could manipulate imperial succession, setting a precedent for later usurpations and barbarian interventions in Roman politics.

## Notable For
- Serving as Prefect of Rome before his usurpation.
- Being proclaimed Western Roman Emperor (409–411 CE) by Alaric I.
- Acting as a puppet ruler under Visigothic control.
- His deposition and subsequent exile, marking the failure of his regime.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Priscus Attalus was born around 400 CE, though details about his early life and family remain obscure. He emerged as a political figure in Rome during a period of severe crisis, as the Western Roman Empire faced internal strife and external threats from barbarian tribes.

### Political Career and Usurpation
Attalus initially held the position of Prefect of Rome, a high-ranking administrative role. In 409 CE, amid tensions between Emperor Honorius and the Visigothic king Alaric I, Attalus was proclaimed emperor by Alaric as a rival to Honorius. His reign was contingent on Visigothic military support, making him a de facto puppet ruler.

### Reign and Downfall
As emperor, Attalus struggled to assert authority. His rule was characterized by dependence on Alaric, and he failed to secure broader recognition or stability. By 411 CE, his position collapsed, and he was deposed. After his downfall, he was exiled, though he later reappeared in Roman politics under different circumstances.

### Legacy and Historical Significance
Priscus Attalus's brief reign is a case study in the fragmentation of Roman power during the 5th century. His reliance on barbarian backing illustrated the shifting dynamics of the late empire, where traditional Roman institutions were increasingly vulnerable to external manipulation. While his rule was ephemeral, it foreshadowed the broader collapse of Western Roman authority in the decades that followed.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013