Miniature of Attila's axe

Attila was the last and most powerful leader of the Huns, a tribe probably from Asia, although their exact origins are unknown.
Attila ruled the largest European empire of his time, from 434 until his death in 453. Known in the West as The scourge of God, his possessions extended from Central Europe to the Black Sea, and from the Danube River to the Baltic Sea. During his reign he was one of the most bitter enemies of the Roman Empire, which in this final stage of it was divided in two: the Eastern Empire, with capital in Constantinople, today Istanbul; and the Western Empire, with capital in Ravenna, since Rome had ceased to be the political center of the empire. Attila invaded the Balkans twice, was about to take the city of Rome and besieged Constantinople. He marched through Gaul and even came to Cenabum, the current Orleans, until Roman General Aecio forced him to retreat in the battle of the Catalonian Fields in 451 (Châlons-en-Champagne). He managed to flee the Emperor of the West Valentinian III from his capital, Ravenna, in 452.