Short Biography of Attila the Hun (406 -453 AD)
His army was formidable and created an empire stretching from the Rhine to the frontiers of China. Attila and his army were given the nickname the ‘Scourge of God’ for their reputation for creating a trail of devastation wherever they went.
In 451 he invaded Gaul but was defeated by the Romans and Visigoths. The next year he tried invading Italy but was persuaded to end his invasion by Pope Leo I.
Attila died in 453, on the night of his marriage. After his death, his empire soon dissipated, but his reputation remained.
A description of Attila by Jordanes, who cites a description given by Priscus.
“He was a man born into the world to shake the nations, the scourge of all lands, who in some way terrified all mankind by the dreadful rumors noised abroad concerning him. He was haughty in his walk, rolling his eyes hither and thither, so that the power of his proud spirit appeared in the movement of his body. He was indeed a lover of war, yet restrained in action, mighty in counsel, gracious to suppliants and lenient to those who were once received into his protection. Short of stature, with a broad chest and a large head; his eyes were small, his beard thin and sprinkled with grey; and he had a flat nose and tanned skin, showing evidence of his origin.”
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