Mankind
throughout its history has been drawn to treasure like moths to a flame. For
the incredibly small chance of success, treasure seekers have been willing to
risk everything, including their lives. Even with all of the modern technology
available today, the world is a big place that is loaded with lost treasures.
The truth is that very few of them will ever be found, but this does not keep
us from looking and dreaming.
One of
the most sought after treasures is the coffin of Attila the Hun. Just to
provide the proper context, he was one of the most feared barbarians in history
and was called the “scourge of God” by the Romans. During his reign, the Huns
controlled a vast territory and it is even rumored that they lived, ate, and slept
on horseback. While some stories may vary, it is an undeniable fact that Attila
left an immortal footprint on history.
So what happened
to this great warrior? Attila, ironically, did not die in battle as many of his
followers did. He passed away on his wedding night to his latest wife, the
beautiful Ildiko, in the year 453 AD. His body was found drenched in blood and
there was no evidence of any wound inflicted. It is said that he suffered from
a massive nosebleed and drowned in his own blood. The dead body was soon
transported to somewhere in the great grass covered plain, and put on display
in a silk tent. Written accounts describe how warriors entered the tent, ripped
the hair from their heads and mutilated their faces. The reason for these acts
was to ensure that Attila was mourned by the blood of warriors and not the
tears of women.
While the
exact cause of his death may never be known, there is considerable agreement
that he was placed in a triple coffin made of gold, surrounded by silver, and then
finally by iron. The gold and silver are said to symbolize his
status as a mighty king, while the iron designates his strength and power over all nations.
Armaments from defeated enemies, along with precious stones and ornaments, were
also added to Attila’s elaborate coffins.
This
fabulous treasure, however, had to be hidden from those seeking its riches. One
story says that a group of men were sent to bury the body at night and then all
of them were slaughtered. Another tale tells how the body was buried in the
steppe and then thousands of horses trampled down the ground around it to
conceal its whereabouts. An even more unbelievable story suggests that the Tisza River
was redirected over his resting place. While stories about Attila’s burial site
are numerous, there is a consensus that it does exist and currently represents
one of the world’s most significant lost treasures.
The town of Tápiószentmárton, located
southeast of Budapest, has built a replica of Attila’s palace based on the
text of Priscus Rhetor, a Roman envoy to the Huns during Attila’s last days. Many
believe the Attila’s lost treasure is located somewhere near this town, yet nothing
has been found. If you are feeling lucky and believe Priscus, then quit your
job, grab a shovel, and seek your fortune. As for me, I will just settle for
the new Indiana Jones movie due out next year. Happy hunting!
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