The death of Codrus. After Codrus succeeded to the throne, Attica was invaded by the Dorians. The oracle of Delphi prophesied that their invasion would succeed as long as the king was not harmed. Codrus, therefore, went disguised into the enemy's camp and provoked a quarrel, in which he was killed. On discovering his identity, the Dorians retreated. Codrus, semi-mythical Kings of Athens, reigned c. 1089-1068 BC. He was an ancient exemplar of patriotism and self-sacrifice. From Ward and Lock's Illustrated History of the World, published c.1882.