Rome and Attila: Rome’s Greatest Enemy (The Fall of the Roman Empire)

Rated 4.86 out of 5 based on 7 customer ratings

“A skilled storyteller…Holmes presents a riveting account of Rome’s decline” Kirkus Reviews

Attila is a household name. But his true character and impact on the Roman Empire have always remained elusive. Until now.

In the first major work written about Attila in decades, Nick Holmes rewrites the story of Attila and Rome. Contrary to his brutal legend, Attila was a complex and captivating personality. A great warlord who despised ostentation, admired bravery and valued loyalty.

He led his steppe nomads further west than Genghis Khan or Tamerlane. He nearly destroyed the Roman Empire. But his vast ambition undid him. This book is a must read for those interested in Rome, the Huns and military history.

This is the third volume in Nick Holmes’ series on The Fall of the Roman Empire. The first volume, The Roman Revolution, covers the little known ‘crisis of the third century’ when barbarian invasions nearly destroyed classical Rome and led to a revolution in Roman government, the army and religion, including the extraordinary growth of Christianity. The second volume, The Fall of Rome, covers the barbarian invasions of the western half of the empire, culminating in the sack of Rome itself by the Goths in AD 410. Further volumes will continue Rome’s turbulent history, from its revival under the emperor Justinian to the rise of Islam, the beginnings of Byzantium and the dawn of the Middle Ages.

From the Publisher

Dimensions	12.85 × 2.41 × 19.84 cm
Publisher ‏	‎ Puttenham Press (29 Jan. 2024)
Language ‏	‎ English
Paperback ‏	‎ 376 pages
ISBN-10 ‏	‎ 1739786548
ISBN-13 ‏	‎ 978-1739786540
Dimensions ‏	‎ 12.85 x 2.41 x 19.84 cm

8 reviews for Rome and Attila: Rome’s Greatest Enemy (The Fall of the Roman Empire)

Rated 5 out of 5

John S Whitaker – June 6, 2024

I really enjoyed reading this book.
Rated 5 out of 5

SCH – May 9, 2024

Like the rest of this series, it is concise to the point have enjoyed the whole set
Rated 5 out of 5

Mr B. – May 22, 2024

No dislikes. Interesting and informative.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kmc – February 24, 2025

Holy good stuff
It was,well written ,easy to follow along, poignant, precise and concise. I wad wondering if the one emissary priscus was going to show up. And sure enough he did. .Y
Rated 5 out of 5

Jacob S. – April 28, 2024

Remarkable
Very Talented writer, just an Awsome series. I’m really looking forward to the next 3 books.If you’re a history buff like myself, you’ll love this series 🙂
Rated 4 out of 5

Lori – February 28, 2025

Interesting history
Good read on History
Rated 5 out of 5

Brad – March 5, 2024

A good read
The author has a style which makes the history of that period very interesting rather than dour. He sometimes also offers his theories on certain events which are very plausible. The historical journal from Priscus offers an idea of what Attila was like, and the chronology of emperors at the end of the book is a good summary.
Rated 5 out of 5

Hamilcar Barca – March 8, 2024

“He was just as scheming and back-stabbing as any good Roman.”
Rome and Attila, Book 3 in a projected 6-volume series, focuses on the short-but-critical historical time period 410-476 CE, although it also recaps the events of 360-410 CE, which were detailed in Book 2. I enjoyed meeting all sorts of movers and shakers in the decline of the Roman Empire. Attila receives the primary focus; almost 100 pages of the book are devoted to his life and impact. But a lot of other players also are introduced, including Ataulf, Valentinian III, Aetius, Theodoric, Ricimer, Marjorian, Alaric, Gaiseric, and Odoacer. A number of influential women are also spotlighted, including Galla Placidia, Hypatia, Honoria, Kreka, Aelia Pulcheria, and Aelia Eudocia. Galla Placidia is a particularly memorable. I was impressed with the way the author juggles the various military powers and their activities. You have Western Roman Emperors, Eastern Roman Emperors, Persians, Huns, White Huns, Visigoths, usurpers, Vandals, and all sorts of Germanic tribes, each carrying out their own agenda. Yet somehow it never became confusing. I also liked the way other influences are addressed cited in explaining the Rome’s collapse. Climate change caused the Huns to pull up stakes and move en masse eastward. The Huns used Germanic mercenaries to bolster their ranks, and therefore were dependent on Roman tribute to keep their position of dominance. The Persian Empire was beset by other Hunnic hordes, so they became keen on maintaining friendly relations with Constantinople, which spared the Eastern Empire the tribulations endured by Rome. The occasional “aside” sections were also great. When Rome fell, what happened to the legionnaires stationed in the hinterlands? Who were the Huns, where did they come from, and why did they disappear so quickly and thoroughly upon Attila’s death? How did the lives of ordinary citizens change after law and order collapsed throughout the western Empire? The interludes addressing these questions were both fascinating and informative. I’ve read all three “Fall of the Roman Empire” and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. I’m particularly intrigued by what the subject matter of Book 4 will be. The remnants of the Western Roman Empire falling into a prolonged abyss called the Dark Ages? The Eastern Roman Empire learning to get along without its European sibling? Or will the focus be on both halves equally? Inquiring minds want to know.