The Huns & the fall of The Huns & the fall of the Roman Empirethe Roman Empire

5th Century

Hun lifestyleHun lifestyle

Origins unclear◦3rd Century Han forced ancestors out of

Northern Asia◦Gravesite archeology

Nomadic Horseback◦Advantage in warfare ◦Reflex bow

Survived on spoils of plunder

Early Interactions with Roman Early Interactions with Roman EmpireEmpire

Dress, features & customs “strange” to Romans

Instilled fear & terror among RomansOccupied large parts of HungaryDemanded tribute from Eastern EmperorClaimed hostages as “diplomats”Roman influences over Huns

◦Become more sedentary◦Greater diversity

Hunnic EmpireHunnic Empire

The Scourge of GodThe Scourge of God433 – Attila murdered brother

in power grabInvaded Balkans

◦At walls of Eastern Empire◦Demanded sizeable tribute

from Eastern Emperor

Turned Westward ◦Desire to claim Western Empire◦Failed invasion in 452

Role of Church? Malaria

ImpactImpact

Huns’ power faded overtimeBlended with Romans and other

invadersDiminished power of Western EmpireAdded to power of Roman Catholic

ChurchAttila's Legacy ?

How did the Huns change How did the Huns change Europe, East Asia and South Europe, East Asia and South Asia?Asia?

SimilaritiesViolent invasionsLed to collapse of

Empires – political structures

Upset economic, social institutions

Assimilation of Hunnic people over time

Differences Time period

◦ Which century?◦ East Asia earliest◦ India latest

Different branches of Hun people

Extent of destruction

Time to rebuild