Attila The Hun

Attila’s appearance was described by the historian, Priscus, as: "short of stature, with a broad chest and a large head; his eyes were small, his beard thin and sprinkled with grey; and he had a flat nose and a swarthy complexion, showing the evidences of his origin." Attila’s appearance was probably like that of an Eastern Asian, or to be more specific, a Mongol, or perhaps it was even a mixture of these. It was most likely though that he had the characteristic features Eastern Asian face, which explains why he was often described harshly be Europeans (they weren’t used to it).

Attila the Hun was born around about A.D. 406. Nothing all that certain is known about his childhood, but the supposition that at a young age he was a capable leader and warrior is reasonable, although still unknowable. At that time the Huns, like many other barbaric tribes constantly encroached upon the borders of the Roman Empire. And as the Empire was much weaker then, the Romans often had to pay tribute in the hope of avoiding conflict. In those times it was often a custom for 'rivals' to exchange prisoners, that they may learn more about the other's culture. And so following negotiations of peace terms, it was in the year of A.D. 418 that Attila was sent as a child hostage to the Roman court, while in return the Huns received Flavius Aetius. While living in the Roman Empire, Attila was most likely schooled in its courts, customs, traditions and luxurious lifestyle. The Romans did this in the hope that he would carry an appreciation of these back to his own nation. This would help the Romans to extend their influence. The corruption and indulgiences Attila saw while in rome took their toll on the young barbarian. For him, knowing Rome was hating Rome, and so, after being returned to his fellow huns, Attila vowed that on day he would return to Rome, not as a visitor, but as a conqueror.

Attila was the last and most powerful king of the Huns. Although he reined for almost 20 years as the king of the Huns, the image of Attila the Hun, in history is based upon two aggressive military campaigns launched in the last 2 years of his life. Campaigns which threatened to redirect the development Western Europe dramatically.

Attila’s appearance was described by the historian, Priscus, as: "short of stature, with a broad chest and a large head; his eyes were small, his beard thin and sprinkled with grey; and he had a flat nose and a swarthy complexion, showing the evidences of his origin." Attila’s appearance was probably like that of an Eastern Asian, or to be more specific, a Mongol, or perhaps it was even a mixture of these. It was most likely though that he had the characteristic features Eastern Asian face, which explains why he was often described harshly be Europeans (they weren’t used to it).