Attila ( /ˈætɨlə/ or /əˈtɪlə/; ?–453), more frequently referred to as Attila the Hun, was the ruler of the Huns from 434 until his death in 453. He was leader of the Hunnic Empire, which stretched from the Ural River to the Rhine River and from the Danube River to the Baltic Sea.
During his reign he was one of the most feared enemies of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. He crossed the Danube twice and plundered the Balkans, but was unable to take Constantinople. He also attempted to conquer Roman Gaul (modern France), crossing the Rhine in 451 and marching as far as Aurelianum (Orléans) before being defeated at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains.
Subsequently he invaded Italy, devastating the northern provinces, but was unable to take Rome. He planned for further campaigns against the Romans but died in 453.
Read more about Attila: Appearance and Character, Etymology, Background, Campaigns Against The Eastern Roman Empire, Solitary Kingship, In The West, Invasion of Italy and Death, Later Folklore and Iconography, Depictions of Attila
Famous quotes containing the word attila:
“Compared to Clouseau, Attila the Hun was a Red Cross volunteer.”
—Blake Edwards (b. 1922)