Rugila

Who was Rugila?

Rugila also referred to as Rua, Ruhas, Ruga and Rona, 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, who died ca. 430 during a military campaign against the Burgundians. In 432, Rugila is mentioned as a sole ruler of the Huns. 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. After his death, Attila and Bleda, sons of his brother Mundzuk, became joint rulers of the united Hunnic tribes.