Attila the Hun

:For other uses, see Attila (disambiguation).

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Attila the Hun (Old Norse: Atle, Atli; German: Etzel; ca. 406–453) was the last and most powerful king of the European Huns. He reigned over what was then Europe's largest empire, from 434 until his death. His empire stretched from Central Europe to the Black Sea and from the Danube River to the Baltic. During his rule he was among the direst enemies of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires: he invaded the Balkans twice and encircled Constantinople in the second invasion. He marched through France as far as Orleans before being turned back at Chalons; and he drove the western emperor Valentinian III from his capital at Ravenna in 452.

Related Topics:
Old Norse - German - 406 - 453 - Huns - Bulgars - Clan - Dulo - Europe - Empire - 434 - Central Europe - Black Sea - Danube River - Baltic - Roman Empire - Balkans - Constantinople - France - Orleans - Chalons - Valentinian III - Ravenna - 452

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Though his empire died with him, and he left no remarkable legacy, he has become a legendary figure in the history of Europe. In much of Western Europe, he is remembered as the epitome of cruelty and rapacity. Some histories lionize him as a great and noble king, and he plays major roles in three Norse sagas.

Related Topics:
History of Europe - Western Europe - Norse saga

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