Attila

Attila (406-453), or Etzel, Central Asian ruler and conqueror of Europe, was the king of the Huns (434-453), surnamed "the Scourge of God," from the terror he everywhere inspired. Became king of the Huns in 434 and eventually controlled territory extending from Germany to the frontiers of China.

He overran the Roman Empire at the time of its decline, vanquished the emperors of both East and West and extorted heavy tributes. Attila led his forces into Germany and Gaul, but was defeated in a great battle near Châlons-sur-Marne by the combined armies of the Romans under Aëtius and the Goths (Visigoths) under Theodoric in 451. However, by that time he had ravaged vast areas between the Rhine and the Caspian Sea.

Having defeated by the joint forces during his siege of Gaul, he retreated across the Alps and ravaged the north of Italy and only the intercession of Pope Leo I (and large bribes) saved Rome.

He died of hemorrhage in 453, it is said, on the day of his marriage, and was buried in a gold coffin containing immense treasures, the slaves who dug the grave having, been killed, lest they should reveal the spot.

Wisdom & Quotes

• Grass never grows again where my horse has once trodden.

Boethius