Topographical Map of the Catalaunian Plains

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Time for a more extensive reply:

Attila's probable route through Gaul can be seen in the first post here, using Omnez Viae which overlays the 4th century map of Roman roads onto Google Maps:

1. http://www.omnesviae.org/#!iter_TPPlace878_TPPlace912
2. http://www.omnesviae.org/#!iter_TPPlace609_TPPlace912
3. http://www.omnesviae.org/#!iter_TPPlace650_TPPlace640

In a nutshell, Attila crossed the Rhine at either Mainz or Worms (both of which were sacked, they have the characteristic ash layer), and went on to Trier and then Metz, both of which were sacked as well. Attila didn't sack Cologne, so we know he didn't take the road north, and the next town which he sacked was Reims, before he went on to Orleans.

The various hagiographies actually support this, for example Paris being saved by "prayer" can be explained because Attila took the road that approaches Paris, but turns south at Chailly towards Sens and Orleans.

The town Bibe is Morains on the map below, which on the Omnes Viae is right along the road from Aurelianum to Reims. There used to be a stream here (Euratlas showed it before they took their maps down), and just north is a North-South running 9km ridge from roughly Morains itself north to Avize. The ridge itself drops a matter of something like 150 meters in a very short distance, meaning it was very steep.





EDIT: I'm gonna do a youtube series for this. I have like a month and a half before June 20th.