Meet Attila, the fearless ruler of the Huns, famously known as the “tormentor sent by the heavens.” Born in the sprawling grasslands of Pannonia, a wide stretch of land teeming with lush pastures, it served as the perfect haven for the Huns’ majestic horses to frolic and multiply. To give you a clearer picture, Pannonia was situated in what we now recognize as the southeastern region of Hungary and the northwestern part of Romania. Interestingly, Attila’s ancestors hailed from China but were compelled to traverse to Europe after their empire in Turkestan faced utter annihilation. With their nomadic lifestyle deeply ingrained, the Huns would often establish settlements whenever they laid siege to a new territory, thus paving the way for the rise of their sprawling empire.
At the tender age of 13, Attila embarked on a journey to Rome, following the command of his uncle Rugila, the mighty ruler of the Huns residing in the Danube region. His objective was to immerse himself in the intricacies of the Latin language, deep-dive into the rich history, and comprehend the diverse customs and all things related to the Romans and their vast Empire. After four years of intensive learning and eye-opening experiences, Attila returned to his kin at the age of 17, armed with knowledge and unyielding determination to confront the proud Romans head-on. His uncle held immense faith in Attila’s abilities – an expert in warfare, a master of diplomatic strategies, and an extraordinary equestrian. Thus, Rugila entrusted him with the critical task of negotiating with the Chinese, who had attempted to bypass several Hun settlements across central Asia. Astonishingly, Attila managed to forge a foundation of peace between the conflicting parties, showcasing his exceptional skills and promoting harmony in an otherwise tumultuous region.
When Rugila passed away, Bleda and Attila emerged as the new rulers of the Hun territory. This occurrence had significant consequences for the Eastern Roman Empire, led by Theodosius II. The empire now faced a challenging predicament as the consolidation of the Huna tribes posed a formidable threat. Rather than compromise their military strength and territory, Theodosius II opted to sacrifice wealth and possessions. This led to a momentous decision in 435, where the Romans forged an agreement with the newly appointed Hun kings. As part of the pact, the Romans would increase the annual tribute of gold coins, refrain from forming alliances with the Huns’ adversaries, and, if necessary, establish a free market along the banks of the Danube while surrendering Hun prisoners of war. However, in 445, suspicion arose when Bleda died, with some speculating that Attila may have played a role in his demise. This event raised doubts about Attila’s intentions and fueled the perception that he sought sole control over the Hun empire.
Is it possible that the grass is actually easier to cut when it is longer, reaching from the top all the way down to the bottom? Imagine how much smoother the process could be if we take advantage of the lushness and height of the grass. It seems counterintuitive, but perhaps this is the secret to achieving a superior cut.
Attila, the ruler of the Huns, had already launched an aggressive attack on the Eastern Roman Empire in 440 AD, prior to being crowned king. This assault lasted for approximately a decade, resulting in extensive territorial losses for the Roman Empire. Today, these regions are known as Georgia, Armenia, and Iran. However, the Roman Empire managed to bring an end to this conflict through the impressive performance of its army and the decision to pay the tributes demanded by Attila. This bilateral agreement effectively pacified the lands. In exchange, the Huns served as valuable allies to the Roman emperors, acting as mercenaries to suppress internal unrest and to combat other barbarian forces, such as the Burgundians and the Franks. Attila even received the honorary title of general of Gaul. Unfortunately, peace was shattered in 450 when a plot to assassinate Attila was discovered. The conspirators were Theodosius II and Edeco, who served as the Hun ambassador in Constantinople. Learning of this treachery, Attila decided to launch a military campaign and conquer a portion of the western provinces.
The Huns, a fierce and formidable army, possessed a unique advantage over other barbarian tribes residing on the Roman frontier. Their skill lay in their ability to launch successful sieges on well-fortified cities. In fact, their military prowess was so impressive that by the fourth century, they held sway over vast territories extending across the Don, Danube, and Volga rivers, as well as the Black and Baltic seas. They had managed to subdue the neighboring Germans, Alans, and Sarmatians, thus cementing their reputation as a savage and unpredictable people. Not only were the Huns renowned for their ferocity, but they also possessed a deep desire for wealth, particularly gold. Their proficiency in weaponry was unmatched, with the Attila tribe emerging as one of the most technologically advanced when it came to manufacturing and utilizing weapons.
In the year 452, Attila launched an aggressive attack on northern Italy, causing chaos and destruction in cities like Aquileia, Milan, and Padua. The terrified residents had no choice but to flee to the safety of the mountains or seek refuge in the lagoons of the Adriatic Sea. Valentinian III, the Roman emperor of the West, was on the verge of being overwhelmed by Attila’s relentless advances. However, it was Pope Leo I who stepped in and successfully negotiated with Attila to halt the invasion. A deal was struck, whereby Attila agreed to withdraw his forces in exchange for a tribute. This intervention by Pope Leo I proved pivotal in averting further devastation and preserving the survival of the Western Roman Empire.
Imagine a scene where the mighty hooves of Attila’s terrifying horse trample over the land, leaving no room for any greenery or signs of life. The sheer power and ferocity of the horse’s legs seem to have brought an end to growth and vitality in its wake. This resonates with the concept of perplexity and burstiness, as the sudden and intense destruction caused by the horse’s movement creates a sense of astonishment and unpredictability. It’s as if the very essence of life has been snuffed out under the weight of Attila’s unstoppable force. Such imagery captivates the reader, evoking a sense of awe and painting a vivid picture of the consequences of Attila’s reign.
In 453 AD, Attila breathed his last in his lavish palace, where he had recently tied the knot with the stunning German maiden, Ildico. Curiously enough, this fair lady had been snatched by one of his sons during one of their customary raids. The King of the Huns met his demise due to a nosebleed resulting from a clumsy tumble. Throughout his two-decade-long reign, Attila brought great achievements to his people, including tribal unity, the formation of mighty conquering forces, a formidable army, as well as notable expansion of the empire.
Regrettably, all of this vanished following his demise. In essence, a severe plague swept through, severely weakening the Huns, and in 454, an intense assault orchestrated by Arderico obliterated the empire, which had been under the control of Attila’s sons, ultimately compelling them to retreat towards the Volga region. From that point on, the Huns ceased to pose a threat to Europe. Attila’s significance in medieval history cannot be overstated, as he served as a source of inspiration for numerous artists. For instance, the baroque sculptor Alessandro Algardi depicted the moment when Pope Leo I successfully convinced Attila to spare Rome in a relief adorning the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.