Hunnic Invasions: Attila Stopped at Chalons!

June 20, 451 - Clashing at the Battle of Chalons, Roman forces are able to stop the advance of Attila the Hun. Having been denied a marriage to Emperor Valentinian III's sister Honoria, Attila the Hun launched an invasion of Gaul in 451. Aided by the Ostrogoths and Gepids, Attila sacked a number of cities before laying siege to Aurelianum. Learning of Attila's actions, Flavius Aetius moved northwest from Italy gathering allies as he marched. Joined by the Alans and Visigoths, Aetius marched towards Aurelianum to attack Attila. Learning of the Roman's approach, Attila broke off the siege and began falling back with the goal of locating favorable terrain to make a stand. Arriving at the Catalaunian Fields, Attila turned to give battle. On June 20, his men formed up and battle was joined along a ridge that crossed the fields. Attacking the Roman center, Attila's men were repulsed and fell back in disorder. As they retreated, they were attacked by Theodoric's Visigoths and forced to seek shelter within their fortified camp. With night approaching, the fighting ended. The next morning, Attila, trapped in his camp, prepared for the expected Roman attack. Aetius, a skill politician, elected not to destroy the Huns for fear that the Visigoths would end their alliance with Rome and become a threat. Using various means, he was able to convince his allies to return home before backing off from Hunnic camp with his own men. Believing the Roman withdrawal to be ruse, Attila waited several days before breaking camp and continuing his retreat. The Battle of Chalons was one of the Western Roman Empire's final victories.