Hunnic Dreams: Bleda and Attila

Attila and Bleda were rulers of the Hunnic Empire in the early 5th century. They were brothers, with Bleda being the older of the two. They co-ruled the Hunnic Empire for several years from around 434 AD until Bleda's death, under unclear circumstances, around 445 AD. It is said that Bleda had invited Attila to hunt a boar in the Hungarian forests, but then confronted him with a loyal army of elite soldiers, ordering them to kill him. Yet, Attila succeeded in negotiating with Bleda's soldiers, who then joined Attila's side. In the turbulent moments, Bleda was killed.

After Bleda's death, Attila became the sole ruler and expanded the empire, engaging in campaigns against the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. Attila is often noted for his ruthless military tactics and is sometimes called "Attila the Hun". His reign was marked by a series of fierce military campaigns, aggressive negotiations, and alliances formed through marriage ties. His rule came to an end when he died in 453 AD, possibly due to internal bleeding as a result of an assassination.