Attila the Hun Was a Noble Who Studied Strategy and Lived Modestly
While Attila was responsible for plenty of death and destruction he was not any worse than any other conquers of the period. He studied strategy and his enemies in order to pit them against each other to his benefit. He was also a brilliant general and if he could he would avoid all-out war. He tended to adopt strategies that would allow him to get his way with as little violence as possible.
Attila was born into one of the most powerful families north of the Danube River. He was given a solid education in sword-fighting, riding and caring for horses. It is even believed that he was taught how to speak Gothic and Latin. Some reports even suggest that Attila could read and write in those languages as well. Despite his upbringing Attila was known for his frugal lifestyle and although he was treated as a king, he lived as a common nomad. While others were eating off gold plates at feasts he was eating from a simple earthenware bowl. Attila also tended to eat like a nomad and did not eat bread and largely lived off milk and meat. He also dressed simply and it was only his stature and presence that differentiated him from his men.
He may have even been a man of mercy as displayed during his attack on Italy. He was approached by Pope Leo who asked him to spare Rome. Attila turned away from Italy and returned home. It is not clear if that is the only reason for Attila’s refusal to attack Rome but many credit the Pope with saving the city. When Attila died suddenly his men buried him in a series of coffins, one gold, one silver and one iron to show his strength and ability to unify his people