The persecution of Antioch was occasioned by a criminal
consultation. The twenty-four letters of the alphabet were
arranged round a magic tripod: and a dancing ring, which had
been placed in the centre, pointed to the four first letters
in the name of the future emperor, 
Theodorus
(perhaps with many others, who owned the fatal syllables)
was executed. Theodosius succeeded. Lardner (Heathen
Testimonie, vol. iv. p. 353-372) has copiously and fairly
examined this dark transaction of the reign of Valens.