Flavius Aetius was a prominent Roman general and statesman during the late Roman Empire, particularly in the 5th century. He is best known for his military leadership against various barbarian tribes, including the Huns and Visigoths. Aetius played a crucial role in the Battle of Chalons in 451 AD, where he united different factions to defeat the Huns led by Attila. Aetius served as the de facto ruler of the Western Roman Empire for several years, earning the title "last of the Romans." His political maneuvering and military strategies helped maintain a fragile peace in a time of great instability. However, he was ultimately assassinated in 454 AD, leading to further decline in the Western Roman Empire.