The Eastern Roman emperor who struck Attila's base while he was campaigning westward and left the empire with a full In the turbulent 5th century AD, Marcian rose from the army to stabilize the Eastern Roman Empire after its devastating defeats by the Huns. He was not born to imperial privilege, but earned his place through years of military service. When the Theodosian dynasty ended, he married the late emperor's sister and took the Eastern Roman crown. Before Marcian's rise, Rome could only endure Attila's extortion by paying enormous annual tribute. Marcian chose to end this humiliation, using the empire's gold to rebuild its army instead of funding its enemy. His decision marked a turning point for the empire. Marcian did not act rashly. He saw that Attila was tied down in war with the Western Roman Empire, and after the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, the balance of power began to shift. When Attila invaded the weakened West again, Marcian struck across the Danube, cutting off the Huns' supplies and weakening