Attila the Hun

Rome and the Huns

Open Ended

Looking at the modern interpretation of the Huns, what do you think history books and historians believe about the Huns. Use at least one piece of proof from the painting.

Ammianus Marcellinus

• Roman soldier and historian

• fought against the Persians and Sassanids

• lived until from 330 to 400 CE

What Ammianus said...

• "The Huns exceed any definition of savagery"

• The Huns are like "unthinking animals"

• The Huns are nomadic and eat raw meat

• Huns will pillage and slaughter

• The Huns are "glued to their horses"

Multiple Choice

Ammianus is a good source because he had first hand experience with the Huns.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Ammianus, because he did not live with the Huns, should not be used as a source. (Historians should not value what he has to say)

• True

• False

Why Use Ammianus

Ammianus Marcellinus shows us how Romans perceived their enemies. And perception is sometimes stronger than reality.

Priscus

• Roman ambassador to the Huns

• Lived amongst the Huns for some time (up to a year)

• debated other Romans who chose to live with the Huns

Priscus' main points

• Many Romans choose to live with the Huns

• Taxes were too severe in Rome

• Wealthy people in Rome got away with breaking the law, while the poor did not

• Roman laws might be good, but their governors were awful

Poll

What source do you think has a more accurate version of the Huns?

• Ammianus Marcellinus

• Priscus

Open Ended

How can we use the information about the Huns to craft an answer to the question - Why did Rome fall?