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Attila the Hun ( Flagellum dei ). Attila, AD 406-453. Son of Mundzuk , nephew of Ruga ( Rugila ), Khan of Huns At death of Ruga , Attila and his brother, Bleda took control Huns at the time negotiating with Theodosius II, emperor of eastern empire.
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Attila, AD 406-453 • Son of Mundzuk, nephew of Ruga (Rugila), Khan of Huns • At death of Ruga, Attila and his brother, Bleda took control • Huns at the time negotiating with Theodosius II, emperor of eastern empire. • Eastern Romans agreed to pay tribute, open markets to Hunnish traders, and to ransom any Roman taken prisoner by the Huns
Meantime, in western empire • North Africa grabbed by Vandals, Rome drew troops off its eastern and northern borders to fight Vandals • So way open for Hunnish troops to move westward
Back in the East • But Theodosius II’s build up and refusal to pay up brought Huns back against Constantinople • Another agreement and peace terms raised Theodosius’ tribute from 350 pounds of gold to 2,100 pounds annually, with 6,000 fine
AD 447, Bleda died, Attila sole ruler • 450 Attila made alliance with western emperor Valentinian III against Visigoths • His pal, Flavius Aetius, who had spent time with the Huns, facilitated the alliance • Valentinian’s sister, Honoria, to escape marriage with a Roman senator, sent Attila a plea for assistance and her engagement ring – Attila considered it a betrothal • Valentinian exiled his sister and denied the possibility of such a marriage
Attila marched west – to expand to ocean? Now Flavius Aetius took the field against the Huns, allying with the Visigoth king Theodoric I. Two armies met at the Battle of Chalons. Visigoth king died, but Attila’s army routed and retreated. Victory all around for Rome.
AD 452, Attila back to claim Honoria as bride • Headed into northern Italy • Met near the Po River by Pope Leo I who met with Attila at Valentinian’s request. • Attila agreed to withdraw from Italy, perhaps planning to attack Constantinople again.