Huns were a central Asian people who invaded southeastern and central Europe and established a powerful empire in the A.D. 400’s. The Huns were nomadic (traveling) herders and warriors. Starting in the late 300’s, they migrated into the areas north and west of the Black Sea and drove large numbers of Goths into the West Roman Empire. The Huns achieved their greatest power under Attila, who became leader in about 434. Under Attila, the Huns gained control of areas extending from the Danube River to the Baltic Sea and from the Rhine River to the Caspian Sea. Attila also led invasions into Gaul (now mainly France) and northern Italy. Shortly after Attila’s death in 453, the subject peoples revolted and defeated his sons. The Huns were eventually absorbed into the various peoples of Europe.
