Scourge of God: ATTİLA

ATTİLA KAĞAN was a Turkish leader who lived in the 5th century and became the most powerful ruler of the Hun Empire. Attila, also known in history as "The Whip of God", invaded a large part of Europe, shook the Roman Empire and spread fear. There are many sources about Attila's political life, personality and character. Among these sources, there are both contemporary and those written in later periods. In this article, we will try to explain Attila's life and achievements.

Attila's date of birth is not known exactly. Some sources give it as 395, some as 406. Attila is a descendant of Mete, the founder of the Hun Empire. His father Mundzuk was a commander in the Hun army alongside his uncle Rua. Attila received military training and learned the art of war at a young age. It is thought that Attila was the heir of Rua along with his sister Bleda. When Rua died in 434, Attila and Bleda became joint rulers of the Hunnic Empire. However, Attila had a more dominant personality and overshadowed his brother.


Attila and Bleda tried to establish good relations with the Roman Empire. At that time, the Roman Empire was divided into Eastern Rome and Western Rome. Attila and Bleda signed a treaty with Eastern Rome, agreeing to collect annual taxes and ensure border security. This treaty initiated a period of peace between the Huns and Eastern Rome. However, this peace did not last long. Eastern Rome started not paying the taxes to the Huns and attacked the Hun lands. Thereupon, Attila and Bleda declared war against Eastern Rome. The Huns, who invaded the Balkans between 441 and 443, inflicted a great defeat on the Eastern Roman Empire. Eastern Rome had to make a new agreement with the Huns. According to this treaty, Eastern Rome doubled the taxes to the Huns and could not take back the Romans captured by the Huns.

After the agreement they made with Eastern Rome, Attila and Bleda turned to Western Rome. Western Rome was dealing with internal turmoil and barbarian invasions at that time. Attila and Bleda entered Gaul (France) in 445 and plundered many cities there. Meanwhile, news came that Attila's brother Bleda had died. It is not known exactly how Bleda died. Some sources claim that Attila killed his brother. Thus, Attila became the sole ruler of the Hun Empire. After Bleda's death, Attila continued his war against Western Rome. In 451, he faced Western Rome and its allies in the Battle of Catalaun. This war is considered one of the bloodiest wars in history. Although the outcome of the battle was not clear, the Huns suffered great losses and were forced to retreat.


After the Battle of Catalaun, Attila headed towards Italy. In 452, he captured many cities in northern Italy. However, its progress was slowed down due to epidemics, hunger and climatic conditions. Additionally, Eastern Roman Emperor Marcianus began preparations for an expedition against the Huns. In this situation, Attila started peace negotiations with the Western Roman Emperor Valentinian. During these negotiations, Pope Leo I met with Attila and persuaded him to withdraw from Italy. Attila left Italy and retreated north of the Danube. He died here, in 453, on his wedding night with a newly acquired wife. The cause of death is thought to be a bleeding nosebleed or poisoning. Attila's death brought the end of the Hun Empire. The fights for the throne between Attila's sons weakened the power of the Huns. In 454, the Huns were defeated in the Battle of Nedao with the Germanic tribes. The Huns had to withdraw from Europe and disappeared from the stage of history.


Attila fought many wars throughout his life and established a great empire. However, he is not only a warrior and conqueror, but also a statesman and leader. Attila kept the Hun people together and displayed a just and generous administration. Attila also has a cultured and intelligent personality. Contemporary sources state that Attila could speak both Latin and Greek, enjoyed poetry and music, and could debate on philosophical and religious issues. Attila has an important place in Turkish history and culture. Attila is considered one of the ancestors of the Turkish nation. Attila's name is linked to "Ata", which means "father" in Turkish. Attila symbolizes the independence, courage and heroic spirit of the Turks.

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