In the late 4th century AD, the Huns, nomads from the steppe regions, began to trouble the inhabitants of Europe's eastern margins. When in AD 434 they were united under the strong rule of Attila, the Huns became a serious threat.
They attacked the Eastern Roman Empire in the years 441-4, sacking many towns, but were bought off with huge tribute payments. Disagreements brought about a renewal of hostilities in AD 447. The Huns marched south into Greece and east to Chersonesus, laying waste the land and defeating the Roman army sent against them.
The succession of a stronger emperor in AD 450 caused the Huns and their allies, who included Goths, Vandals and Gepids, to turn their attentions to the weaker Western Empire. Advancing through Central Europe, in 451 they reached Gaul, which they devastated.
However, after forcing the Huns to raise the siege of Orleans, the Romans and their allies, the Visigoths, met them on the Catalaunian Fields near Tours. In the indecisive battle that followed, casualties were high on both sides. For the first time Attila had not gained outright victory, a major blow to the prestige upon which his power depended.
The Huns returned to their base in eastern Europe and in the spring of 452, Attila invaded northern Italy, laying waste the countryside and sacking towns. Determined Roman opposition, the personal intervention of Pope Leo I and sickness among the Huns caused them to withdraw in the autumn.
Early the following year, Attila suddenly died and the Hun confederacy rapidly collapsed.
