There is little known about Attila the Hun, the language of his people, and even his own birth name. Historians believe that he received his name, which means “Little Father” as a “term of affection and respect conferred upon his accession.”[1] From a young age, Attila was taught the skill of weapons, primarily the bow, while also receiving instruction in riding, caring for his horse, and fighting in close combat. Along with his brother, Bleda, Attila attended his tribe’s war councils and even participated in the fighting on the battlefield, thereby becoming quickly adjusted to violence and bloodshed from an early age. Upon the death of their Uncle (who was also the tribe Chief), leadership passed to the brothers, Attila and Bleda. For a time, the brothers ruled together, frequently dealing with the Romans, who had in times past, paid the Huns for their service as mercenary allies. Now the tide had changed and Rome began to pay the Huns to keep them from invading Roman territory.[2]
In 439 A.D., the barbaric brothers
broke what was known as the Treaty of Margus and mobilized their army for war,
invading Italy and causing great panic and chaos among the Roman people. The
Hun army was known for its strategic capabilities and the relentlessness of its
soldiers. Its archers could send arrows flying up to speeds higher than those
of their enemies, reaching targets with deadly accuracy and at a distance that
maintained the safety of the archers.[3] The Huns had gained a
reputation among their adversaries for their deadly proficiency at horseback
riding, even receiving the name, centaurs,
due to their ability to ride and act as one in battle with their horse.[4] Reports that had been
received in Rome described personal accounts from those who had witnessed cities
being previously attacked and leveled by the Hun army. Everything had been
destroyed and the number of dead were uncountable.[5] Of course, this absolutely
terrified everyone in Rome, including the Catholic Church.
There was one man however, who
remained calm and did not panic. He was Pope Leo I, also known as Pope Leo the
Great. Unafraid of the barbaric Huns, the Holy Father left the safety of Rome
and ventured out to Attila’s camp just outside the city in an attempt to save
his Church and the city of Rome from certain defeat. There he met with Attila
in the midst of the bloodthirsty army, without protection and without aid. Not
much is known of what took place during that meeting, but Pope Leo was known
for his profound ability to “reach the everyday needs and interests of his
people.”[6] Whatever it was that he
spoke to Attila must have made an incredible mark, for it convinced the
barbaric horde to return to their home country and leave the city of Rome in
peace. Pope Leo had most certainly maintained his objective of protecting his
Church, as well as the entire city of Rome. According to legend, the holy
apostles Peter and Paul appeared alongside the Holy Father during his
conference with Attila, each brandishing flaming swords. After speaking words
of submission and a plea for mercy, Pope Leo I made a truce with the barbaric
conqueror, thus saving the Eternal City.[7]
"Faith
is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."
-Saint Augustine.
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