Attila the Hun: Arch-Enemy of Rome

by Ian Hughes

Overview

Attila the Hun is a household name. Rising to the Hunnic kingship around 434, he dominated European history for the next two decades. Attila bullied and manipulated both halves of the Roman empire, forcing successive emperors to make tribute payments or face invasion. Ian Hughes recounts Attila's rise to power, attempting to untangle his character and motivations so far as the imperfect sources allow. A major theme is how the two halves of the empire finally united against Attila, prompting his fateful decision to invade Gaul and his subsequent defeat at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plain in 451.

Integral to the narrative is analysis of the history of the rise of the Hunnic Empire; the reasons for the Huns' military success; relations between the Huns and the two halves of the Roman Empire; Attila’s rise to sole power; and Attila’s doomed attempt to bring both halves of the Roman Empire under his dominion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781590096
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	02/28/2019
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,032,405
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Ian Hughes specializes in Late Roman history and is the author of Belisarius, the Last Roman General (2009); Stilicho, the Vandal who Saved Rome (2010); Aetius: Attila’s Nemesis (2012); Imperial Brothers: Valentinian, Valens and the Disaster at Adrianople (2013); Patricians and Emperors (2015); and Gaiseric, the Vandal Who Destroyed Rome (2017). A former teacher whose hobbies include football, wargaming, and restoring electric guitars, Ian lives near Barnsley in South Yorkshire.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Introduction viii

List of Abbreviations xxv

Chapter 1 The Origin of the Huns 1

Chapter 2 The Huns: Nomadic Society 28

Chapter 3 Contact 58

Chapter 4 Attila 77

Chapter 5 Joint Rule 86

Chapter 6 Sole Rule 106

Chapter 7 Undisputed Rule 122

Chapter 8 The Invasion of Gaul 139

Chapter 9 The Battle of the Catalaunian Plains 152

Chapter 10 Final Years 166

Chapter 11 Aftermath and Conclusions 178

Notes 186

Bibliography 204

Index 209

Editorial Reviews

"Ian Hughes specialises in late Roman history, no doubt drawing on his enthusiasm for wargaming, and presents a balanced view, drawing together all sources to conclude that the Huns operated a protection racket on a grand scale. [...] This is undoubtedly a worthy study by Hughes..."

United Nations of Roma Victrix (UNRV)

This biography is written by an established authority on the late Roman period. Beyond coverage of Attila’s life, this book provides a wide-ranging look at his nation and its effect on Late Roman Europe.

Military Heritage Magazine