The Ancients The Sons of Attila the Hun
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Oct 16, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Professor Hyun Jin Kim from the University of Melbourne, a noted expert on Hunnic history, dives into the chaotic aftermath of Attila the Hun's death in 453 AD. He vividly describes the power struggles among Attila's sons and their rivals, as well as the strategic importance of the Gepids. The episode explores the fall of the Hunnic Empire, detailing key battles and the re-emergence of Gothic kings. With insights on how Hunnic identity evolved, Kim paints a rich picture of ambition and rivalry that led to a lasting legacy across Europe.
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Attila's Fragile Continental Empire
- Attila left a vast but fragile quasi-feudal empire stretching from Gaul to the Volga and Scandinavia to the Danube.
- That centralised power depended on Attila's forceful authority rather than durable institutions, making collapse likely after his death.
Quasi-Feudal Hunnic Power Structure
- The Hunnic polity functioned like a hierarchical, quasi-feudal system with an emperor, eastern and western kings, and sub-kings.
- Attila's coup against his brother shifted power toward western princes and destabilised traditional eastern dominance.
Succession Split Sparks Civil War
- After Attila's death eastern princes backed eldest son Ellak, while powerful western lords like Ardaric backed rival candidates.
- This split led directly to the decisive conflict at the Battle of Nedao and wider civil war.
