Attila the Hun

~406–453 CE · Hunnic (Central Asian/Eastern European Steppe) · Late Roman Empire, Migration Period

Known for: "The Scourge of God"—terrorized both halves of the Roman Empire and nearly destroyed Western civilization

Attila ruled the Hunnic Empire from 434 to 453 CE, commanding a multi-ethnic horde that terrorized both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. He extracted massive tribute from Constantinople, invaded Gaul (stopped at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains in 451), and then invaded Italy, threatening Rome itself.

He was persuaded to withdraw from Italy—legend says by Pope Leo I, though plague and supply problems were more likely factors. His empire stretched from Germany to Central Asia, but it was held together by his personality rather than institutions.

He died on his wedding night to a young bride named Ildico—reportedly from a nosebleed (or possibly alcohol-induced hemorrhage) that caused him to choke on his own blood while passed out drunk. His empire collapsed almost immediately after his death.

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