Attila the Hun Flagellum dei

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Attila the Hun(Flagellum dei)
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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

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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

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Back in the East

• But Theodosius IIs 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

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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
• Valentinians 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

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Painting of scene described by Priscus
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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 Attilas army routed and
retreated. Victory all around for Rome.
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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 Valentinians request.
• Attila agreed to withdraw from Italy, perhaps
  planning to attack Constantinople again.

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AD 453, Attila died on wedding night