|
Attila (A.D. 406–453), also known as Attila the Hun, was the Emperor of the Huns from 434 until his death in 453. Attila the Hun was leader of the Hunnic Empire which stretched from Germany to the Ural River and from the River Danube to the Baltic Sea. During his rule, Attila the Hun was one of the most fearsome of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires' enemies: Attila the Hun invaded the Balkans twice and marched through Gaul (modern France) as far as Orleans before being defeated at the Battle of Chalons. Attila the Hun refrained from attacking either Constantinople or Rome. His story, that the Sword of Attila had come to his hand by miraculous means, was reported by the Roman Priscus.
In much of Western Europe, Attila the Hun is remembered as the epitome of cruelty and rapacity. In contrast, some histories and chronicles describe him as a great and noble king, and he plays major roles in three Norse sagas: Atlakviđa; Völsunga; and Atlamál.
|
