Just when Attila was at the height of his power, extending his hand even into Italy itself, he suddenly died. Just sixteen years later, the Huns disappear from the historical record (although some people think they founded the nation of Bulgaria).
451 - 452, Famine and disease epidemics in Italy
In 451 and 452, Italy suffered under famine and outbreaks of disease. This lack of food and healthy living conditions would discourage Attila's army from occupying the land for long. 452, Attila leads an army of 100,000 into Italy, sacks Padua, Milan
The Huns invaded famine-weakened Italy, quickly capturing a number of fortified cities including Padua and Milan. Attila wanted to press once more his claim to Honoria's hand and dowry. However, they were dissuaded from attacking Rome itself by the lack of provisions available, and by the rampant disease epidemics that were afflicting the starving populace. Pope Leo also claimed credit for turning back Attila, although there is some question as to whether he ever really met the Hunnic king. 453, Death of Attila the Hun
After his return from Italy (without Honoria), Attila married the teenaged daughter of one of his followers, a girl called Ildiko. There was a grand marriage feast for the couple, after which they retired to the wedding chamber. In the morning, Attila's servants became alarmed when he did not emerge from the room, and opened the door. Attila was dead on the floor, and his terrified young bride was huddled in the corner in shock. Some historians say that she might have murdered him, but it seems unlikely. Others say that he had a hemorrhage, or died of alcohol poisoning. 453, Attila's sons divide the empire
After their father's death, Attila's sons divided his empire, reverting in a way to the pre-Rua political structure. However, the sons fought over which would be the top king. At first, the eldest son, Ellac, prevailed over his brothers Dengizich and Ernakh. While they squabbled, their subject tribes rebelled against them. 454, Huns driven from Pannonia by Goths after Battle of Nedao
Just one year after Attila's death, the Goths were able to defeat the Huns at the Battle of Nedao, and drive the Huns from the rich province of Pannonia. Ellac was killed, and Dengizich became the new King of the Huns. 469, Huns' King Dengizik dies, Huns disappear from historical record
In 469, Dengizik demanded that the Eastern Roman Empire pay tribute once more. The Romans refused, and Dengizik attacked. He was met by Byzantine troops under General Anagestes. The Huns sustained a crushing defeat, and Dengizik himself was killed in the first battle. His brother Ernakh had refused to get involved in the fighting. Ernakh's people, and the remnants of Dengizik's, were absorbed into the Bulgar tribe, ancestors of modern-day Bulgarians. 476, Weakened in part by the Huns, the Western Roman Empire falls
The Roman Empire was weakened both by its direct fighting with Attila and his Huns, and by the loss of Carthage which Attila's assault on the Eastern Empire had perpetuated. In 476, the western half of the Empire collapsed. The Eastern Roman Empire survived in the form of the Byzantine Empire until it was conquered by the Turks in 1453. However, the Byzantine Empire of the Middle Ages bore little resemblance to the ancient Eastern Roman Empire. Attila's foes did not long out-last his own Hunnic Empire.
