Character Catalog

Attila unified the various Hunnic tribes under his sole authority following the elimination of his brother Bleda, creating the largest empire in Europe since Rome.

Attila negotiated treaties imposing considerable tributes on Constantinople, notably the Treaty of Margus (435) and then the Treaty of Anatolius (447), which tripled the annual tribute to 2,100 pounds of gold.

A series of devastating campaigns against the Eastern Empire, during which Attila ravaged more than 70 cities and advanced on Constantinople, demonstrating the military power of the Huns.

A major military campaign in Roman Gaul, culminating in the siege of Orleans and the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, one of the most significant confrontations of Late Antiquity.

Attila's last great campaign, marked by the destruction of Aquileia and the sacking of several cities in northern Italy, brought to a halt by his meeting with Pope Leo I.

Attila developed a sophisticated diplomatic network, receiving embassies and sending envoys to both Roman empires, demonstrating a political vision that went beyond mere military conquest.

Attila's table was covered with dishes served on silver and gold platters, but he himself ate only meat placed on a wooden board. In all things he showed moderation: his cup was of wood while the guests drank from golden goblets.

In the middle of the night, Attila, heavy with wine and sleep, was suffocated by the blood that ordinarily flowed from his nose. He was found dead in the morning, Ildico weeping beneath her veil beside the body of her husband.

Attila was received by the holy Pope Leo on the bank of the Mincio. The king was so moved by the presence of the pontiff that he ordered the end of hostilities and withdrew beyond the Danube, promising peace.

The Huns, led by their king Attila, invaded Gaul and ravaged many cities. But defeated on the plains of Catalaunum by the patrician Aetius and King Theodoric, they withdrew.

Center of the Hunnic empire, the great Hungarian plain served as Attila's base. It was here that he established his royal camp, described in detail by the ambassador Priscus.

Site of the great battle of 451 where Attila faced the coalition of Roman general Aetius and Visigoth king Theodoric. This defeat marked the end of Hunnic expansion into Gaul.

Major Roman city in northeastern Italy, completely destroyed by Attila in 452. According to tradition, refugees from Aquileia later founded Venice in the nearby lagoons.

City besieged by Attila in 451 during his invasion of Gaul. Bishop Anianus organized the resistance and Aetius arrived in time to force Attila to lift the siege.

Capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, threatened by Attila during his Balkan campaigns of 441–447. Emperor Theodosius II was forced to pay a heavy annual tribute to buy peace.

The emblematic weapon of Hun horsemen, this asymmetric bow reinforced with bone and sinew could be fired with great power from horseback. It was the primary weapon of Attila's army.

The Huns used large bronze cauldrons to cook their food during encampments. Several examples have been found by archaeologists on the plains of Hungary.

The Huns perfected the rigid wooden saddle, an innovation that gave them remarkable stability in mounted combat. According to sources, Attila ordered a pyre of saddles to be built before the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains.

Hun chieftains wore ornaments of worked gold, often decorated with garnets set in the polychrome style of the steppes. These adornments attested to their rank and the wealth accumulated through tributes.

According to the account of Priscus, Attila ate from a simple wooden bowl and drank from a wooden cup, in contrast to the luxury of his court. This choice illustrated his desire to display the sobriety of a warrior.

Hun horsemen used the lasso in combat to unseat enemy riders. This steppe-born fighting technique took Roman armies by surprise, accustomed as they were to a very different style of warfare.