Attila the Hun, (reigned 434-453 CE) leader of the nomadic people known as the Huns, and ruler of the Hunnic Empire (“Attila the Hun” Ancient.eu), was dubbed “Flagellum Dei” (meaning Scourge of God in latin).
He had his brother, Bleda, assassinated in 445 (C.E), thereby became the 5th century King of the Hunnic Empire, and the lone ruler of the Huns. (“Attila the Hun” Biography.com) He united the tribes of the Hunnic Empire and was said to be a just ruler to his own people, but not to others. He stretched the rule of the Hunnic Empire to include many Germanic tribes and attacked the Eastern Roman Empire, wreaking havoc upon lands from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. (“Attila the Hun” Biography.com)
Seeking to escape an arranged marriage the sister of the Western Roman Emperor,
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At the gates of Rome Emperor Valentinian offered a delegation to broker for peace. Attila accepted the delegation and demanded gold and safe travel to his homeland. Upon his return, after getting yet another wife, Attila passed out on his wedding night, and was found choked to death on his own blood. His final resting place remains a mystery to this day as many of the Hun people who may have known, were slayed. (“Attila the Hun” Ancient.eu)
His lust for power was the cause of his actions, and his actions led to extreme inequity for the empires and nations he conquered. He left behind nothing but devastation. He ransacked over one thousand cities and towns and his empire was as vast as the whole of Russia and half of Europe. Although he was ruthless and hated by many, his soldiers respected him and followed him into battle. The Romans, Greeks, Visigoths, Burgundians, Alans,Franks, and many more all despised Attila and his empire for his vicious rule.
The following quote sums up the level of inequity Attila the Hun left behind "There, where I have passed, the grass will never grow gain." -Attila the