Attila's Sword

ATTILA THE HUN

THE HUNIC EMPIRE

Attila the Hun

In the fifth century, Attila the Hun struck fear into the hearts of any Roman, so much so that he was called the Scourge of God. This wasn't surprising, as he commanded one of Asia's most powerful armies. He was not only ambitious, but charismatic as well. To that end, he unified the Hun hordes to serve his military purposes. The Hunic Empire soon became a major threat. The East Roman Emperor, Theodosius II, and Pope Leo I tried to negotiate peace with Attila. However, he still conquered much of Europe.

Attila’s Sword

Many myths and legends describe the existence of Attila’s Sword. It is said that Attila immediately claimed it as his own upon laying eyes on the sword — believing it belonged to Mars, the Roman God of War. Seeing it as a gift from Mars, Attila was confident of victory in any military campaign. Such confidence might also have incited his invasion of Europe. 

Ironically, while Attila was blessed by Mars, he was cursed by Athena, as he was killed on his wedding night. 

When a certain shepherd beheld one heifer of his flock limping and could find no cause for this wound, he anxiously followed the trail of blood and at length came to a sword it had unwittingly trampled while nibbling the grass. He dug it up and took it straight to Attila. He rejoiced at this gift and, being ambitious, thought he had been appointed ruler of the whole world, and that through the sword of Mars supremacy in all wars was assured to him.

There is currently a sword proclaimed as Attila’s Sword in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.