The Huns and their Notorious Leader - Attila the Hun

“It’s not that I succeed, it’s that everyone else has to fail, horribly, preferably in front of their parents” - Attila the Hun

More than 1500 years after Attila the Hun’s death, this quote still accurately surmises how people view him - as a ferocious destroyer that brought nations to their knees.

Attila was the notorious leader of the Huns, a nomadic people that garnered a brutal reputation for conquering much of Western Europe and terrifying hoards of communities in the process. Yet, Attila’s reputation might have been inflated in regards to his prowess, as he may not have been the prolific conqueror that he became known for.

Who were the Huns?

The answer to why Attila the Hun is known as one of the most infamous brutish personalities in history may lie in the fact that the Huns rose from relative insignificance to power. They attacked anyone who stood in their path, including the Vandals, Visigoths, Goths, and a number of other ancient civilisations.

The origins of the Huns still remains a mystery. Whereas some historians argue that they were the progeny of the Xiongnu people - for whom the great wall of china was built to protect against -  others debate that they more likely came from Kazakhstan or other parts of Asia.

The Huns were equestrian masters and are even thought to have slept on horseback. They first garnered the attention of the Greeks in approximately 375 as they impressed with their ability to shoot arrows with incredible accuracy, even during rapid gallop. Due to these skills, and the fact that Rome’s heydays were already behind it, the Huns were able to destabilise the Roman Empire in the battle of Adrianople with the help of the Goths and compounded the Hun’s savage reputation.

Before the 4th century, the Huns had no known individual leader. Instead, they gathered in small groups which were led by chieftains. However, this pattern changed when Attila the Hun went to extreme measures to become their sole figurehead.

Who was Attila the Hun

Attila the Hun was born in a province of the Roman Empire (present-day Hungary) in approximately 406.

Our knowledge of him varies somewhat in accuracy, as the Huns didn’t document their footprint. In fact, there is even doubt regarding whether "Attila” was his real name, as it could be translated as "Little-Father" - similar to the name given to the first president of Turkey. However, the Roman’s writings provided enough information for historians to piece together a timeline for Attila and the formation of his empire.

Attila and his brother, Bleda, succeeded their uncle Rugila to co-rule the Huns. That is, until a mysterious hunting trip on which Attila murdered his brother.

However, it is thought that Attila’s hand was forced, as Bleda apparently planned to murder him first. The exact methods Attila used remains unknown.

After such an act, it is no wonder that Attila was seen as so inhumane that it was said that “the grass never grew on the spot where his horse had trod.” However, it was clear that he encouraged this impression, as he even referred to himself as flagellum Dei - the scourge of God.

After he became leader of the Huns, Attila thundered his way through much of Europe, pillaging Gaul (modern day France, parts of Italy, and western Germany). At this point, the Roman Empire became concerned, thus they paired with other tribes such as the Visigoths in an attempt to put a stop to the Hun’s invasive scourge.

Stories tell of how the night before battle, Attila saw how his army would fall against the Romans and Visigoths. Yet, perhaps this was just awareness that his army was up against a more than worthy opponent.

On the Catalaunian plains, tens of thousands of Hun soldiers were felled in combat and Attila was forced to admit defeat. However, his loss didn’t stop him from continuing to ravage cities throughout Italy.

Attila passed away in the year 453, having failed to conquer Rome. Legend has it that he spared the city after having visions of St. Peter and St. Paul, who warned him to reach an agreement with Pope Leo I, or else they would strike him dead. Thus, even when he was merciful, he did so for self-serving reasons. Although perhaps it was wise due to the fragile shape of his troops at this time. While planning an attack against Constantinople, Attila passed away after choking on his own blood on his wedding night.

Many believe that we have much to learn from a civilisation such as the Huns that could rise from very little to overcome so many nations. If you would like to know if you have a DNA association with the Huns, then you can find out with My True Ancestry.