Grand Opening - Introductory Discussion Post

Welcome,

This is my first post in what is intended to be a place where various historical musings, reviews, and comments on current events will be written and offered for discussion. Those familiar with my historical writings on the naval actions of the Pacific War in World War II will find here a broader approach, but of related depth and emphasis on accuracy. I have for my first post chosen to review a very interesting new book of Late Roman Empire history, a favorite epoch of my investigation.

"The Night Attila Died: Solving the Murder of Attila the Hun"
by Babcock, Michael A., Ph.D.
The Penguin Group, New York, NY July 2005.

To one interested in Roman Empire history, the title alone is sure to catch attention. After all, the received conventional view is that Attila the Hun died of natural causes, some manner of internal bleeding or burst vessel, on his very wedding night to a barbarian princess named Ildico, sometime in the early spring of A.D. 453. However, it doesn't take much examinaton of the circumstances and timing to cause one to scratch their head and ask questions. Questions that if pressed, soon end up challenging the veracity of at least the assumption that Attila's death was merely providential.

As it happens, Professor Babcock does far more than just ask questions. He first lays out the available sources and how we have derived the accepted version of Attila's demise. Then the case for at least questioning, if not outright scoffing, at this acceptance is made. Taking up the challenge, the author then launches into his quest and case, presenting one piece at a time the components of a complex tapestry that is as fascinating as its goal. By brilliant use of the sometimes overlooked field of philology, Dr. Babcock, proceeds to trace and unravel the intricate chain of evidence whose story actually begins before Attila's own death, with that of his brother chieftain (and apparent elder rival) Bledda. These events are interwoven throughout with the compelling story of the the "Last Roman" the famous General Aetius, and the complicated intrigues and military genius of the Eastern Roman Empire's Emperor Marcian. The cast of suspects for Attila's assasination, and even how it would be concealed is laid down in eagerly `page-turning' fashion. The context of Attila's famous invasion of Italy in 452 is also explored and some lasting and incorrect myths about this venture and the heretofore maligned strategy of Emperor Honorius and General Aetius convincingly debunked. The scope and range of the facets considered in the case never ceases to amaze and intrigue, including a surprising connection to Wagner's famed "Fall of the Burgundians".

To reveal the conclusions reached in this work would do it a diservice, but as an avid enthusiast of Roman and particularly Late Roman and Byzantine history, I think it is a must read. Even if you don't accept the conclusions (I personally do), there is a bit of something for everyone.

As I plan to post historical breifs and commentaries here, this was an appropriate work with which to begin.

- Antony