Who was Attila the Hun, the barbarian ruler who terrorised the Romans?

Attila the Hun, later branded as “the scourge of God”, is one of history’s most infamous characters, standing as the ultimate barbarian. In the fifth century he controlled a huge territory and menaced the Roman Empire. Yet the leader who wanted to rule the world failed to translate his military achievements into a successful and long-lasting empire, and although described as being “born into the world to shake nations”, Attila would eventually bow to diplomacy. So why his fearsome reputation? Here, historians Miles Russell and John Man explore the life and legacy of Attila the Hun…