Attila the Hun
.... Soon after his death his kingdom collapsed (World Book). The Huns are a nomadic Asian people who spread from the Caspian steppes in repeated attacks on the Roman Empire (Allempires). Before Attila's birth, the Huns reached the Danube River in raids against the Eastern Roman Empire (Allempires). By 432 A.D., they had gained so much power that Attila's uncle, the Hunnish King Roas, was receiving a large annual tribute from Rome (Allempires). The army of the Huns were known as the “Scourge of God” (Realm of Shade). This became part of the medieval folklore and tradition (Realm of Shade). They were very good horsemen, and armed themselves with short, powerful bows (Realm of Shade). Besides their composite bows, the Huns also occasionally carried swords, lances, and other irregular weapons such as lassos (Allempires). The Huns were natural warriors, having shot a bow and ridden on a horse from an early age (Allempires). When the enemies tried to close in, they would gallop away, turn their bodies and fire arrows (Allempires). The hit and run tactics had been very successful for more than just the Huns. Others like the feared Vikings also used the hit and run tactics and caused great devastation. The proficiency of Hun warriors made them a popular choice as mercenaries (Allempires). Nobles usually wore armor, which was most likely scale armor, while regulars wore little or none at all (Allempires). In 445 A.D. Attila and the Huns invaded the Roman Empire ( Philips). Attila was bribed to do so by the Vandal king, Gaiseric (Philps). The treaty of Margus, which the Romans were forced to sign dealt with Hun merchants’ rights, military alliance conducts, the return of Hun fugitives, and a tribute of 700 pounds of gold that must be paid each year (Allempires). During a devastating campaign eastward, Attila had received word the Romans had failed to pay tribute and return the fugitives (Allempires). This left Attila furious with the Romans and he then returned as soon as possible. To prevent complete destruction of Rome, Pope Leo “The Great” said something which is unknown, but it made Attila spare Rome. Unfortunately, later Roman bishops from Marguns had crossed the Danube River and robbed royal Hun graves, stealing their burial treasures (Allempires). This led to war breaking out and Attila’s army poured into the Roman Empire (Allempires). The Roman army was too weak to organize an attack and Attila’s campaign was successful (Allempires). He had destroyed the imperial army of Aspar and freely raided the Balkans (Allempires). In desperation Theodosius, the Roman king, concluded in August 443 A.D. another treaty, the treaty of Theodosius (George). Attila had a reputation for being extremely cruel as well as giving undeserved punishment to his enemies (Realmofshade). It was rumored that his men would drive metal spikes up the victim’s rear end. Amazingly, they were able to “arrange” it so to miss every internal organ thus, instead of an instant death, they would bleed to death slowly. It was also said that he had a history of cannibalism, of eating babies and small children. In the 440’s A.D. one of Attila’s attacks against the east in the Balkans, was aimed at a city in the Danubian provinces and the place was so devastated by the attack (Realmofshade). When Roman ambassadors passed through to meet with Attila several years later, they had to camp outside the city along the river, which were covered with human bones and the stench of death that was so great that no one could enter the city (Realmofshade). The Huns pillaged the churches and monasteries and slew the monks and virgins (Realmofshade). It was also said that they so devastated the town of Thrace by these actions that it would never rise again (Realmofshade). It became certain that many cities would soon suffer this same fate. His strong victory in the East left Attila free to plan the attack, the Invasion of Gaul (Realmofshade). During the Invasion of Gaul there became many plans for the west. One was to destroy the Visig...