Attila, most commonly known as Attila the Hun, was the ruler of the nomadic people called the Huns in the 5th century. During his reign, he became one of the more feared enemies of the powerful Roman Empire.
Unclear Origins
There isn’t a lot that is known about the origins and early years of Attila the Hun. The earliest descriptions of him, when he was well into adulthood, suggest that his ancestors were likely East Asian or Scythian. The name that was given to him, Attila, is believed by scholars to be of Germanic origins and formed from the Gothic noun “Atta” which means “father.”
When combined with the suffix “ila,” the name translates to “Little Father.” Other historians related the name Attila to the Turkic languages, with two possible translations of the name. One name purportedly translated to “the oceanic universal ruler” while the other means “Provider of Warhorses.”
Military Prowess
Prior to Attila’s rule, the Huns were actually recruited by the Roman Empire to fight in their Civil War in 424 AD. A decade later, after the death of their ruler, Attila and his brother met with the Roman legions and negotiated a peace treaty. After a few years under the radar, the Huns began their attack on the Roman empire. In 447 AD, under the sole leadership of Attila the Hun, they rampaged through both the Eastern and Western Roman settlements.