Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 335 - The Battle of The Catalaunian Plains
Oct 28, 2024
A wild retelling of Attila the Hun’s march into Gaul and the brutal clash on the Catalunian plains. They sketch Rome’s reliance on federate troops and Aetius’ desperate diplomacy gathering Franks, Burgundians, Alans, and Visigoths. The show highlights siege scenes, Hunnic cavalry tactics, omens and divination, and the chaotic, bloody aftermath that reshaped late Roman politics.
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Foederati Filled Rome’s Ranks
- Rome increasingly used foederati and mercenaries to fill ranks, trading land for soldiers.
- This reliance helped short-term defense but prevented Rome from regaining genuine military capacity.
Honoria's Ring: A Convenient Cause
- Honoria allegedly sent Attila a ring and a proposal to escape an arranged marriage and offered her hand.
- Rome rejected Attila's claim, giving him a convenient pretext for war against the West.
Diplomacy Overcomes Old Feuds
- Aetius built an alliance of former enemies to stop Attila, prioritizing survival over past feuds.
- He applied diplomacy to assemble a coalition that could stand against a mobile Hunnic threat.
