Attila the Hun

Known as ‘the scourge of God’, Attila waged a reign of terror, ravaging vast areas of Europe and Asia between the Rhine and the Caspian Sea.

Attila lived from 406-453 and was king of the Huns from 433 until his death.

The Huns were already very powerful before Attila succeeded his uncle, Roas or Ruglias. Attila at first shared the throne with his brother Bleda, but killed him in 445.

He defeated the Byzantine emperor, Theodosius II before invading Gaul. By all account his troops had a reputation for cruelty, killing many hundreds of thousands. They were also reported to be cannibals, leaving behind piles of bones!

The Hunnish army was enormous for the fifth century AD, reportedly ranging from 300,000 to 700,000! Some of the greatest cities of Europe were sacked and put to the torch, including Rheims, Mainz, Strasbourg, Cologne, Worms and Trier.

Attila was defeated by the Romans and Visigoths in one of ancient history’s most terrible bloodbaths at the Battle of Chalons, near the present day city of Troyes. Attila regrouped and turned his attacks on Italian cities including Milan and Padua.

In 453 Attila died, ridding the world of one of the most feared and notorious barbarians of all time .