Deadliest Warrior Legends: Attila the Hun
Deadliest Warrior: Legends Quick Facts:
- Attila became king of the Huns at age twenty-one. It was prophesized that he would become the “Fear of the World,” destroyer of cities and armies, but he would die shortly after marrying.
- In 443 AD, Attila invaded the territories to the west of his kingdom when Rome failed to pay their tribute. He was given part of Hungary as part of the terms of peace.
- Attila invaded the southern Roman Empire through Greece in 447 AD. His armies were held at Thermopylae and he sued for peace. In 451 AD he joined with his allies, and attacked the western Empire.
- During his western campaign Attila came to the city of Orleans, France. Orleans was frequently attacked by raiders, so it had high and thick walls. The siege gave the Roman army time to catch Attila.
- Atilla’s first defeat came during the siege of Orleans, France. The king of Rome’s Visigoth allies was killed and his son took command, making a hard charge. Atilla was forced to flee the battle.
- When Attila marched into Italy he was stopped by Rome’s defenses. Pope Leo negotiated the peace treaty, ending Atilla’s siege. Attila died in his sleep on his way home- the day after his wedding.
Weaponry:
Short Range:
Hunnic Short Sword and Shield: The Hun sword was a two edged sword developed for use on horseback. Given the range of the Hun empire, these were likely made of the finest steels available at the time.
Unlockable Weapon: Scythian Axe and Shield: The Scythian war axe had a long wood shaft (for a one-hand weapon) and a bronze head. The head had a spike on one side, and either a hammer-like face or axe face on the other side..
Mid Range:
Hunnic Heavy Spear: The Hunnic heavy spear would have been the weapon of choice on horseback for close combat against armored cavalry and the sturdy armor of the Roman Legionnaire.
Unlockable Weapon: Hunnic Light Spear: The Hunnic light spear, would have been most effective against enemies who were not well armored. Because they were light they would have been ideal for carrying during long rides across the steppe.
Long Range:
Magya Composite Longbow: The Magya bow was an early experiment in composite construction. Bows that were at least as long as their wood counterparts could send arrows flying much farther with more energy on impact.
Unlockable Weapon: Magya Compostie Shortbow: The Magya bow was an early experiment in composite construction. By laminating wood, horn and sinew these bows could be stronger and smaller than their all-wood counterparts.
Armor:
Leather Lamellar: Small plates of leather called lamellae were stitched together to form a light and flexible armor. The lightweight armor traded protection for speed on horseback.
Unlockable Armor: Scale Mail: Scale mail was made by stitching metal plates to a backing of leather or quilted cloth. Treated leather may have been used for the scales, and some cultures used interlocking metal plates.
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