Attila the Hun
(Flagellum dei)
Attila, AD 406-453
• Son of Mundzuk, nephew of Ruga (Rugila),
Khan of Huns
• At death of Ruga, Attila and his brother, Bleda
took control
• Huns at the time negotiating with Theodosius
II, emperor of eastern empire.
• Eastern Romans agreed to pay tribute, open
markets to Hunnish traders, and to ransom
any Roman taken prisoner by the Huns
Meantime, in western empire
• North Africa grabbed by Vandals, Rome drew
troops off its eastern and northern borders to
fight Vandals
• So way open for Hunnish troops to move
westward
Back in the East
• But Theodosius II’s build up and refusal to pay
up brought Huns back against Constantinople
• Another agreement and peace terms raised
Theodosius’ tribute from 350 pounds of gold
to 2,100 pounds annually, with 6,000 fine
AD 447, Bleda died, Attila sole ruler
• 450 Attila made alliance with western emperor
Valentinian III against Visigoths
• His pal, Flavius Aetius, who had spent time with
the Huns, facilitated the alliance
• Valentinian’s sister, Honoria, to escape marriage
with a Roman senator, sent Attila a plea for
assistance and her engagement ring – Attila
considered it a betrothal
• Valentinian exiled his sister and denied the
possibility of such a marriage
Painting of scene described by Priscus
Attila marched west – to expand to
ocean?
Now Flavius Aetius took the field against the Huns,
allying with the Visigoth king Theodoric I.
Two armies met at
the Battle of
Chalons. Visigoth
king died, but
Attila’s army
routed and
retreated. Victory
all around for
Rome.
AD 452, Attila back to claim Honoria as
bride
• Headed into northern Italy
• Met near the Po River by Pope Leo I who met
with Attila at Valentinian’s request.
• Attila agreed to withdraw from Italy, perhaps
planning to attack Constantinople again.
AD 453, Attila died on wedding night