What happened when Pope Leo met Attila the Hun

As you know from this week's class, Attila the Hun was set to attack the city of Rome in 452 C.E.  To prevent an attack, Pope Leo took a group of his men out to meet with Attila.  Afterwards, Attila took his army an left instead of attacking.

Why?

Paul the Deacon claimed that Saint Peter and Saint Paul appeared at Pope Leo's side holding swords above his head. This is basically what Raphael's painting shows.   Prosper of Aquitane says Leo trusted in God and that he impressed Attila but he makes no mention of Peter or Paul.

What really happened?

Select one of these explanations.  Pick the one you think is the most plausible.

What really happened when Leo met Atilla

Leo convinced Attila to become a Christian.

Leo threatened him with his superior army.

Leo spoke with enough confidence that he convince Attila to embrace peace.

Leo set a trap for Attila so Attila had to agree with him or face death.

Attila was not that loyal to his own troops, so he easily agreed with Leo.

Leo paid Attila not to invade.

Leo set up illusions/tricks to make it look like Peter and Paul really appeared.

Leo was clearly armed so well that Attila decided it was too risky to attack.

Since Attila's army was exhausted from their recent defeat in Gaul, he decided it was better not to risk losing a second battle.

Attila changed his mind to please God.

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After you have voted, leave a comment to explain why you made your choice to possibly earn brownies for your class. Number and quality of comments will determine which class gets brownies.

For more about Attila the Hun see this National Geographic Article

You might also check this short article on History.com