'What made Attila the Hun a great leader?'

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Warfare Through The Ages

Major Research Assignment

‘WHAT MADE ATTILA THE HUN A GREAT LEADER?’

Due: 15th of November 2002 (Extension to the 18th)

Mr. Fish

By Julian Veerasingam

I chose to research Attila the Hun because of his extraordinary achievements.  He was able to hold the Eastern and Western Roman Empires at his mercy, conquer most of central Europe, and unite the Huns.  So for my assignment I decided to research the focus question, ‘What made Attila the Hun a great leader?’ and see how he was able to accomplish such feats.  I discuss in my assignment, the ten features of Attila that I thought made him great.  

THE TEN FEATURES OF ATTILA THE HUN

THE DESIRE TO BE IN CHARGE

Attila the Hun was an aggressive and ambitious general.  When he was still a young man, his uncle died, leaving the throne to be shared between Attila and his brother, Bleda.  But that wasn’t good enough for the determined Attila.  He wanted to be the sole ruler of the Huns so badly that he killed his own brother.  Attila took his chances and never let anyone rival his authority.  Attila was power-hungry; he was determined to succeed under any circumstances, fair or unfair.

The look of determination to succeed

ALWAYS APPEARRING AS THE ONE IN CHARGE

Attila always appeared as the one in charge.  His walk was that of prowess, and made aware of his dominance over the rest of the Huns.  In battle he was easily distinguished between his men.  Attila had the habit of fiercely rolling his eyes, and watching on with joy to see the terror that it inspired.  To add to his appearance, Attila rode a beautiful black horse, and carried at his side the sword of Tiew, the god of war.  The sword of Tiew, as legend goes was found by a farmer, who then dug it out of the ground and gave it to King Attila.  When Attila received the sword he declared, "I shall never be defeated in battle, as long as I fight with the sword of Tiew."  

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Attila riding through Rome on his beautiful horse

COMPELLING PEOPLE TO AJUST TO HIS "CUSTOMS"

Attila refused to accept things done anyway but his way.  For example, when Attila had conquered the barbaric tribes in northern Europe, a lot of his men wanted to launch an attack on the Western Roman Empire.  But Attila didn’t buckle under pressure; he stuck to his plan of sweeping across the east of Europe and attacking the Eastern Roman Empire.  Other things such as the raiding of towns and how a soldier presents himself in battle were all done Attila’s way.

Attila ...

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