jjares reviewed Attila the Hun: A Captivating Guide to the Ruler of the Huns and His Invasions of the Roman Empire on + 3294 more book reviews
Atilla and his Huns are considered to be the cause of the collapse of the Roman Empire and that they brought about the Dark Ages in Europe. However, Captivating History suggests that we take another look at this group and Attila. They suggest he was no more barbaric than other leaders of the time (5th century); that he had uncanny abilities in negotiating with bigger powers; that Attila was just sneakier than his enemies and he was a brilliant tactician in the battlefield.
Huns had two occupations. Some were nomadic herdsmen (of horses, sheep, and goats) on the Great Hungarian Plains, while others pillaged neighboring tribes in war. This book makes a good point that the Huns were not interested in land acquisition (like the Romans); but only to acquire wealth through pillaging.
As usual, this is a fine effort by Captivating History to explain a complex man who led his countrymen for over 2 decades. Attila had the same problem as most great leaders when he was gone, his heirs were unable to maintain his leadership style or excellence at war.
Huns had two occupations. Some were nomadic herdsmen (of horses, sheep, and goats) on the Great Hungarian Plains, while others pillaged neighboring tribes in war. This book makes a good point that the Huns were not interested in land acquisition (like the Romans); but only to acquire wealth through pillaging.
As usual, this is a fine effort by Captivating History to explain a complex man who led his countrymen for over 2 decades. Attila had the same problem as most great leaders when he was gone, his heirs were unable to maintain his leadership style or excellence at war.
