The Treaty of Margus formalized Roman submission to Hunnic demands, doubling gold tribute and restricting Roman diplomatic freedom.
Key Facts
- Year signed
- 435 AD
- Previous annual tribute
- 350 pounds of gold pounds of gold
- New annual tribute
- 700 pounds of gold pounds of gold
- Roman signatory
- Flavius Plintha (consul)
- Treaty breached
- 440 AD, leading to Hunnic attack
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Ongoing pressure from the Hunnic confederation under Bleda and Attila forced the Eastern Roman Empire to negotiate terms. Prior agreements had already imposed tribute payments, but the Huns sought greater concessions, compelling Rome to formalize a more disadvantageous arrangement to preserve a fragile peace along the Danube frontier.
In 435, Roman consul Flavius Plintha signed the Treaty of Margus at Margus in Moesia Superior. The agreement doubled the annual gold tribute from 350 to 700 pounds, prohibited Rome from allying with Hunnic enemies, and required the Romans to return any Hunnic refugees found within Roman territory.
When the Romans violated the treaty in 440, Bleda and Attila retaliated by attacking the Roman fortress and marketplace of Castra Constantia on the Danube. The breach and subsequent Hunnic offensive demonstrated the fragility of the agreement and accelerated Hunnic incursions deep into Roman territory in the following years.
Political Outcome
Rome agreed to double its annual gold tribute to the Huns, refrain from alliances with Hunnic enemies, and return Hunnic refugees; the treaty held until 440.
Rome paid 350 pounds of gold annually and retained some diplomatic flexibility with neighboring peoples.
Rome paid 700 pounds of gold annually, was barred from anti-Hunnic alliances, and was obligated to repatriate Hunnic refugees.