Flavius Aetius

Profession: Roman General

Biography: Flavius Aetius was a Roman general and statesman who served towards the end of the Western Roman Empire. He is perhaps most famous for his military leadership in the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains in 451 AD, where he led a coalition of Roman and Visigothic forces in repelling an invasion led by Attila the Hun.

Aetius had a cosmopolitan upbringing, spending part of his youth as a hostage among the Visigoths and the Huns. This gave him an understanding of Roman Empire's enemies, which later proved instrumental in his efforts. His influence at court, however, garnered him many enemies, including Valentinian III, the Western Roman Emperor.

His career was a roller-coaster of alliances, betrayals, and shifting political fortunes. Despite his military successes, Aetius was assassinated by Valentinian III in 454 AD. This was later considered a mistake, as it deprived the Western Roman Empire of one of its last capable defenders. The empire fell just two decades later in 476 AD.

Birthplace: Durostorum

Died: September 21, 454
Cause of Death: Assassination