Attila

Attila, frequently called Attila the Hun, was the ruler of the Huns from 434 until his death in March 453. He was also the leader of a tribal empire consisting of Huns, Ostrogoths, Alans, and Bulgars, among others, in Central and Eastern Europe. During his reign, he was one of the most feared enemies of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. He crossed the Danube twice and plundered the Balkans, but was unable to take Constantinople. His unsuccessful campaign in Persia was followed in 441 by an invasion of the Eastern Roman Empire, the success of which emboldened Attila to invade the West. He also attempted to conquer Roman Gaul, crossing the Rhine in 451 and marching as far as Aurelianum, before being stopped in the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. He subsequently invaded Italy, devastating the northern provinces, but was unable to take Rome. He planned for further campaigns against the Romans, but died in 453.

Read more in the app

Attila the Hun raided Rome due to starvation, not bloodlust, study suggests

Archaeologists posit that Attila’s Huns were animal herders who became violent raiders, due to severe drought in the Danube frontier provinces

Attila The Hun Attacked Rome to Save His People From Starvation, New Study Suggests

Drought encouraged Attila's Huns to attack the Roman empire, tree rings suggest