Attila the Hun

For what fortress, what city, in the wide extent of the Roman empire, can hope to exist, secure and impregnable, if it is our pleasure that it should be erased from the earth?

c. 450 AD — A declaration of his power over Roman cities.

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

For what fortress, what city, in the wide extent of the Roman empire, can hope to exist, secure and impregnable, if it is our pleasure that it should be erased from the earth?

c. 450 AD — A declaration of his power over Roman cities.

Strange & Unusual Disputed

Grass shall never grow where my horse has trodden.

5th century CE — Boast to Roman envoys about his conquests

Strange & Unusual Confirmed

There, where I have passed, the grass will never grow again.

448 CE — Threat to Roman ambassadors

Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I demand the hand of Honoria and half the Western Empire as her dowry.

450 CE — Message to Emperor Valentinian III, claiming his sister Honoria had promised to marry him

Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am the Scourge of God.

5th century CE — Reportedly declared to Roman envoys

Controversial Unverifiable

If you do not grant me what I ask, I will lay waste to your lands.

443 CE — Threat to Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II

Controversial Unverifiable

Enemies are not to be despised, however humble; and friends are not to be trusted, however great.

c. 5th century AD — Attributed saying, reflecting a cynical and pragmatic view of alliances.

Shocking Unverifiable

Sayings by Attila the Hun