Emperor Attila, known as the "Scourge of God" by Europeans, instilled fear and trembling as he united migratory tribes to establish the European Hun Empire, leaving a trail of bloodshed across European states. Attila, who declared, "Every land where my horse treads is my territory," ruled from 434, the year he ascended to the throne, until his death in 453, uniting lands stretching from the Netherlands to the Ural River, and from the Danube to the Baltic Sea under the European Hun Empire.
Who was Attila?
In Western sources, Attila, the Hun emperor, is depicted as a symbol of tyranny and greed, while in Eastern histories, including Turkish accounts, he is portrayed as a formidable ruler and a noble warrior, almost romanticized and revered as a hero. While the roots of the European Huns have been a subject of debate for centuries, it is generally accepted that they were a combination of nomadic Central Asian and European tribes.
Attila, the son of Muncuk Khan, was found and taken under the protection of his uncle Rua while he was living alone in the steppe after his father's death at a young age. After his uncle's demise, he became the co-emperor of the Hun Empire alongside his brother Bleda. When Bleda passed away in 445, Attila assumed sole leadership. Subsequently, he defeated the Romans in the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains and expanded his dominion, advancing towards Rome.
Attila Bends the Knee of the Pope
One of the most significant events that etched Attila into history was his campaign against Rome in 452. Attila was advancing, conquering Italy, and the Christian world was in a state of panic. Roman politicians were missing, and it was a priest, Pope Leo, who took the initiative to approach Attila with his entourage for a private meeting. As a result of this meeting, Attila refrained from capturing Rome and instead imposed a tribute on the city before withdrawing. The exact content of the conversation between Pope Leo and Attila that night remains unknown, but Western sources suggest that when Attila's servant asked him why he gave up so easily on taking Rome, Attila is said to have replied, "While speaking with the Pope, I saw a Saint in the sky holding a sword, warning me that if I didn't listen to the Pope, he would kill me."
Attila's decision to spare Rome is still perceived as a day of salvation in the Western world. However, it is more likely that the Pope feared the destruction of Rome, or rather, he feared the collapse of their chaotic order and the permanent downfall of Christianity. It is believed that Attila yielded due to Pope Leo's night-long pleas.
Another legend surrounding Attila is the siege of the city of Aquileia in Italy. The siege lasted for three months, and when food became scarce, Attila's soldiers began to grumble about lifting the siege. At that moment, an incident changed the course of events. Attila spotted a stork leaving the city and used it as an opportunity to motivate his soldiers, saying, "This bird's instincts are strong. If it's leaving, it must feel it can't be safe here. That means taking the city is imminent," and within 2-3 days, the city was captured.
How did Attila Die?
One enigma surrounding Attila is his death. Attila passed away in the early spring of 453. According to the widely accepted account, Attila died from a severe nosebleed on the night of his marriage to a young and beautiful woman. However, speculations about his death persist to this day. Some historians claim he died from excessive alcohol consumption, while others suggest he was stabbed by his newlywed wife, Ildico. The theory that gains the most traction is that he was poisoned by adding a substance to his drink.
Michael A. Bablock argued that Attila, the Emperor of the European Huns, fell victim to a conspiracy orchestrated by both Eastern and Western Roman courts.
The location of Attila's tomb remains unknown to this day. Most historians believe that he was buried along with his treasures at the bed of the Danube River after the river's course was altered for a while.
Who was Attila, and was he Turkish?
Like Genghis Khan, some historians consider Attila to be Turkish. While he is viewed as a barbarian in Europe, he is widely regarded as a great statesman in Turkey. Hungary claims Attila, the Emperor of the Huns, as their own. The word "Hungary" in English derives from "Hun," indicating its connection to the Hunnic heritage. Additionally, it is known among historians that Hungarians and Turks share a common ancestor. Their linguistic roots are similar, and genetic similarities have been found between Turkish and Hungarian populations. The Byzantine historian Priscus, who personally saw Attila, described him as having a broad chest, short stature, bronze skin, and small eyes.
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