![[Attila_in_Gaul_451CE.svg.png]] The Huns reached their peak under Attila (c. 406-453), who ruled from 434 until his death. He crossed the Danube River twice and invaded Anatolia in 441 but failed to conquer Constantinople, although he did extract 6,000 pounds of gold in tribute from the city. Attila invaded Gaul ten years later, crossing the Rhine in 451 and reaching as far as Aurelianum ([Orléans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orl%C3%A9ans "Orléans")) before being defeated by a coalition of Roman and Visigoth troops. He then turned south toward Italy and devastated northern Italy but failed also to take Rome. Although the Huns were excellent cavalry warriors, they weren't that great at besieging cities. Especially under Attila, they preferred quick raids to plunder wealth and extort tribute, rather than wasting their time capturing cities they lacked the administrative structures to govern. ----- Next: [[8.12 - "Barbarians"]] Back: [[8.10 - The Huns]]