The Death of Attila

Tacs is a restless young Hun whose position in Attila’s confederation brings him into contact with Dietric, the son of a Germanic subject king. Their friendship crosses the boundaries that separate conquerors from tributary peoples, but it also exposes both men to accusations of divided loyalty. Attila’s authority dominates their world, binding Huns, Gepids, Goths and other peoples through fear, reward and the expectation of further war against Rome.

When Attila dies in 453, the system held together by his personality begins to fracture. His sons divide the inheritance while Ardaric and other subject rulers prepare to rebel, forcing Tacs and Dietric to choose between friendship, family and political survival. The struggle leads towards the Battle of Nedao and the collapse of Hunnic power. Holland presents the end of the empire from below, through warriors who understand that liberation for one people may mean destruction for another.