Who was Reka?

Even though the sources from the era are scarce, several researchers agree that Reka was one the adopted daughters of the Byzantine Emperor, whose hand was offered to the leader of the Huns as part of a peace treaty. Her name therefore probably derives from „Greka” or „Kreka”, meaning Greek. Others however think that her name comes from the word “rika” meaning river, or the Turkish name “Arikan” meaning pure lady.

Attila ruled over an enormous empire in the 5^th century stretching from the Alps nearly to the Caspian see. Moreover, he terrified most of Europe’s inhabitants including those living in the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. His devastating campaigns reached as far as Constantinople, the territory of today’s France, and Milano. It was said that on the spots where his horse stepped upon no more grass would ever grow.

At the time most of Europe was fearing the arrival of the weird looking Huns of a dark complexion, often with distorted skulls and unusual clothing coupled with savage eating habits. Their sudden arrival meant having to face catastrophic warfare and an unknown level of cruelty. At the same time Reka was living a relaxed life in a wooden palace next to that of his husband in the territory of today’s Hungary. She led a lavish lifestyle with several servants and even had a say in diplomatic issues. She gave birth to three sons who became the successors of Attila.

Her death according to szekely (a Hungarian subgroup original to Transylvania) legends was caused by a bull, which caused her carriage to fall over. Her grave was digged by four slaves who upon finishing their jobs committed suicide to keep the location a perfectly well-kept secret. Also according to szekely legends Reka was the mother of Prince Csaba, the ancestor of all szekelys.

Even though this is still disputed by scientists, several Hungarian sources from the Middle Ages originate Hungarians from Huns, resulting in Reka’s person being an important figure of Hungarian culture.