Amenemhat IV vs Bleda

Amenemhat IV ruled for approximately 10 years, succeeding his father Amenemhat III. His reign was relatively brief and marked by a continuation of existing policies, but it saw the beginning of economic decline. He was the last male ruler of the 12th Dynasty, after which the throne passed to his sister Sobekneferu.

Amenemhat IV dispatched a mining expedition to Serabit el-Khadim in Sinai to extract turquoise. Inscriptions at the site record his name and the expedition's success, indicating that mining operations continued under his rule, though perhaps at a reduced scale compared to his father's reign.

The reign of Amenemhat IV witnessed a gradual economic downturn, evidenced by fewer monumental building projects and reduced administrative records. This decline may have been due to lower Nile floods, reduced trade, or internal administrative issues, setting the stage for the instability that followed the 12th Dynasty.

Upon the death of their uncle Rugila, Bleda and his brother Attila became joint rulers of the Hunnic Empire. This co-rulership marked the beginning of a period of aggressive expansion and diplomatic pressure on the Roman Empire.

Bleda and Attila negotiated the Treaty of Margus with the Eastern Roman Empire, securing a tribute of 700 pounds of gold per year and the return of Hun refugees. This treaty demonstrated Hun military leverage and established a pattern of Roman payments.

Bleda and Attila launched a major campaign against the Eastern Roman Empire, sacking cities along the Danube frontier. This aggression forced the Romans to increase their tribute payments and cede territory, expanding Hun control in the Balkans.

Bleda was killed, likely on the orders of his brother Attila, during a hunting expedition. This assassination ended the co-rulership and left Attila as the sole ruler of the Huns, enabling his later campaigns against the Roman Empire.