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Attila

Type Figure Region Hunnic Empire Time c. 406–453 Also known as Scourge of God

Attila was ruler of the Hunnic Empire in the fifth century CE, uniting multiple nomadic and Germanic tribes and launching large-scale invasions again…

Timeline

  1. 434–445Pannonian Plain · Hunnic EmpireHe jointly ruled the Hunnic tribal confederation with his brother Bleda, later seizing sole power, using Pannonia as a base to integrate Germanic vassal tribes and build a nomadic military alliance spanning Central Europe.
  2. 441–447Near Constantinople · ThraceHe repeatedly invaded the Eastern Roman Balkan provinces, reaching the walls of Constantinople and forcing Emperor Theodosius II to sign a humiliating peace treaty and pay enormous tribute.
  3. 451Catalaunian Plains · Catalaunian PlainsProvoked by a dispute over a marriage alliance with an Eastern Roman princess, he advanced west into Gaul, besieged Orleans, and fought a fierce battle on the Catalaunian Plains against a Roman–Visigoth allied force led by Aetius; both sides suffered heavy casualties and Attila was forced to retreat.
  4. 452–453Hungarian Plain · Hunnic EmpireIn 452 CE he invaded Italy, burning and plundering northern Italian cities, and withdrew after Pope Leo I mediated; the following year he died suddenly on his wedding night, and disputes among his sons over succession rapidly dissolved the empire.

Sources