Attila the Hun

470 AD, portrait of Attila, drawn by Marina the Monk.

Attila, or Attila the Hun (406-453), was a leader of the Huns from 434 AD until he died in 453 AD. He was one of the most common ruler.

Attila led the Hunnic Empire, and was known as a feared military commander. He invaded Gaul, and nearly captured the city of Aurelianum. In 451 AD, he lost the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, the only one he ever lost. He also invaded Italy and attacked and looted several towns.

Attila died in 453. The traditional account of his death is that it happened the night after his marriage to a woman named Ildiko. The Huns declined in the years immediately after Attila's death.

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