Rugila
Rugila also referred to as Rua, Ruhas, Ruga and Rona (Greek: ΄Ρούγας, ΄Ροϋνας, ΄Ρωίλας), was a warlord who was a major factor in the Huns' early victories over the Roman Empire. He served as an important forerunner to Attila the Hun during the fifth century AD. Initially he had ruled together with his brother Octar (Optar), who died ca. 430 during a military campaign against the Burgundians.[1] In 432, Rugila is mentioned as a sole ruler of the Huns.[2] At that time, Aëtius lost his office and estate, and fled to the Huns. With their help, he was reinstated into his office again. Some time later, when some tribes previously subdued by the Huns fled to the East Roman territory, Rugila demanded their surrender through his envoy Esla and threatened with war, if his demand is refused. Subsequently in 435 (?), Huns ravaged Thrace, but their campaign was unsuccessful. Rugila died, being "struck dead with a thunderbolt", and the rest of the Hunnic army allegedly perished due to a plague epidemic.[3][4] After his death, Attila and Bleda, sons of his brother Mundzuk (Mundiuch), became joint rulers of the united Hunnic tribes.
References
- ↑ Maenchen_Helfen, Otto. The world of the Huns: studies in their history and culture. University of California Press, 1973. p. 82.
- ↑ Maenchen_Helfen, Otto. The world of the Huns: studies in their history and culture. University of California Press, 1973. p. 87.
- ↑ NPNF2-02. Socrates and Sozomenus Ecclesiastical Histories Chapter XLIII.—Calamities of the Barbarians who had been the Usurper John’s Allies. Christian Classics Ethereal Library
- ↑ The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret, Book V. Chapter XXXVI.—Of the removal of the remains of John and of the faith of Theodosius and his sisters.
| Preceded by Octar |
Hunnic rulers 432–434 |
Succeeded by Joint rule Attila & Bleda |