John Athalarichos

John Athalarichos (; ), also spelled as Atalarichos, Athalaric, and At'alarik, was an illegitimate son of the 7th century Byzantine Emperor Heraclius. In 637 or 634, depending on the source, he was alleged to have taken part in a plot to overthrow Heraclius and seize the throne. His name, Athalarichos, is Gothic, composed of the elements Athala (from Proto-Germanic word * meaning "noble") and (from * meaning "ruler").

Life Athalarichos first appears in 622, when he was sent, along with Heraclius' nephew Stephen and John, the illegitimate son of the patrician Bonus, as a hostage to the Avars to cement a peace agreement.

In 635 or 637, some Armenian figures, at the time very influential in Constantinople,

The scheme was never executed, as an informer among the conspirators told the imperial court that Athalarichos was planning a coup attempt. Once Heraclius confirmed the story, he ordered the arrest of everyone involved. Theodore received the same treatment, but was sent to Gaudomelete (possibly modern day Gozo) with additional instructions to cut off one leg.