Attila the Hun (r. 434-453 CE) was the leader of the ancient nomadic people known as the Huns and ruler of the Hunnic Empire, which he established. His name means "Little Father" and, according to some historians, may not have been his birth name but "a term of affection and respect conferred on his accession" (Man, 159). This name was synonymous with terror among his enemies and the general populace of the territories that his armies swept through.
More about: Attila the HunDefinition
Timeline
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433 CEDeath of Rugila, King of the Huns, who is succeeded by Attila and his brother Bleda.
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434 CE - 453 CEReign of Attila the Hun.
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439 CEAttila and Bleda broker the Treaty of Margus with the Romans.
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441 CE - 442 CEAttila and Bleda invade the Eastern Roman Empire, breaking the Treaty of Margus.
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445 CEBleda is assassinated and Attila becomes sole ruler of the Huns.
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446 CE - 447 CEAttila's invasion of the Balkans.
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451 CEAttila's invasion of Gaul.
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451 CEBattle of the Cataluanian Plains (also known as the Battle of Chalons)where Attila's invasion is halted.
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7 Apr 451 CEAttila the Hun sacks the city of Metz, France, killing most of the citizens, and continuing his campaign of conquest until stopped at the Battle of Chalons (Battle of the Catalonian Plains) later that year.
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20 Jun 451 CEThe Battle of the Catalaunian Plains (Battle of Chalons) takes place in the region of modern-day France when Flavius Aetius stops the invasion of Atilla the Hun. Although the outcome of the battle was inconclusive, Attila left the field first.
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452 CEAttila's invasion of Italy.
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453 CEDeath of Attila the Hun.
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469 CEAttila's empire falls apart after the inept rule by his sons.
