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Fall of the Roman Empire Book #3
Roma și Attila. Prăbușirea imperiului
Istoria Imperiului Roman nu contenește să ne fascineze, aducând în prim-plan eroi, împărați, dar și adversari redutabili. Unul dintre cei mai înverșunați dușmani pe care i-a avut Roma a fost căpetenia hunilor, Attila.
Contrar legendei țesute în jurul său, Attila nu s-a remarcat prin brutalitate, ci a fost o personalitate complexă și captivantă, un mare lider militar care disprețuia ostentația, aprecia curajul și prețuia loialitatea. Și-a condus nomazii de stepă mai la vest decât Genghis-han și Tamerlan și aproape că a distrus Imperiul Roman, însă ambiția sa enormă l-a doborât.
Specialist în istoria lumii romane, Nick Holmes cercetează în volumul de față învolburata perioadă premergătoare căderii marelui imperiu. Roma și Attila constituie o lectură încântătoare pentru cei interesați de Imperiul Roman și de huni, dar și pentru pasionații de istorie militară.
Contrar legendei țesute în jurul său, Attila nu s-a remarcat prin brutalitate, ci a fost o personalitate complexă și captivantă, un mare lider militar care disprețuia ostentația, aprecia curajul și prețuia loialitatea. Și-a condus nomazii de stepă mai la vest decât Genghis-han și Tamerlan și aproape că a distrus Imperiul Roman, însă ambiția sa enormă l-a doborât.
Specialist în istoria lumii romane, Nick Holmes cercetează în volumul de față învolburata perioadă premergătoare căderii marelui imperiu. Roma și Attila constituie o lectură încântătoare pentru cei interesați de Imperiul Roman și de huni, dar și pentru pasionații de istorie militară.
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2025
200 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Nick Holmes
8 books93 followersHello, I'm a British author, podcaster, and historian, and welcome to my series of books on the Fall Of The Roman Empire. My passion is Roman history. I've wandered among the ruins of the Roman Forum and wondered what happened to this great civilisation? I've stared into the dome of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and reflected on how the Roman Empire lasted for centuries after Rome itself was sacked, even when its capital moved to Constantinople. So, I've embarked on writing the full account of this momentous time.
Immerse yourself in this incredible story. It may surprise you to find that those events so long ago are strangely relevant to our modern times, from the changing climate to religion, and from war to peace. Let us listen to the voices from the past.
And if you like podcasts, try mine "The Fall of the Roman Empire", which accompanies my books, and please check out my website which offers a free book and much more at www.nickholmesauthor.com
Immerse yourself in this incredible story. It may surprise you to find that those events so long ago are strangely relevant to our modern times, from the changing climate to religion, and from war to peace. Let us listen to the voices from the past.
And if you like podcasts, try mine "The Fall of the Roman Empire", which accompanies my books, and please check out my website which offers a free book and much more at www.nickholmesauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2026
Mega-seceta din stepa asiatică i-a determinat pe huni să caute un teren mai fertil pe care să-și pască turmele de oi și capre. Migrațía hunilor a declanșat un efect de domino prin împingerea triburilor germanice spre vest, în adâncimea Imperiului Roman. Goții lui Alaric vor jefui Roma în anul 410 d.Hr, iar, poate mai important, vandalii vor cuceri Africa de Nord, grânarul Romei și a doua cea mai bogată provincie a Imperiului Roman de Apus, după Italia însăși.
În est, Persia Sasanidă a fost atacată de hunii albi. În timpul unei bătalii din nordul Afganistanului de astăzi, șahinșahul Peroz a fost omorât, imperiul său devenind practic un stat vasal al hunilor. Cu marele rival scos din joc, Imperiul Roman de Răsărit ar fi putut să ajute mai mult fratele suferind din vest, dar nu a făcut-o.
În acest context a avut loc desantul hunilor lui Attila în Imperiul Roman.
Sub asaltul hunilor, armata Imperiului Roman de Răsărit a devenit, paradoxal, mai puternică. Profitând de boom-ul economic, armata și-a putut dubla dimensiunea. Sub împăratul Marcian au suficient de încrezători încât să refuze plata tributului.
În cealaltă parte a Mediteranei, redus la provinciile Italia, Iliria și porțiuni din Galia, Imperiul Roman de Apus era falimentar. Armata era mică și formată preponderent din mercenari barbari.
Cu toate acestea, romanii din Apus l-au oprit pe Attila în bătălia din Câmpiile Catalaunice (451 d. Hr.), de lângă Troyes, cu contribuția decisivă a vizigoților.
Imperiul lui Attila s-a destrămat imediat după moartea sa. Doar o personalitate puternică putea ține unite triburile. Un alt motiv pentru disoluția rapidă a imperiului hunic a fost strategia nesustenabilă a acestuia, ce presupunea aprovizionarea constantă cu aur din tribut și jaf pentru a cumpăra loialitatea supușilor germanici.
Dispariția hunilor nu a însemnat dispariția problemelor pentru romani. Imperiul Roman de Apus va înceta să existe în decurs de o generație. Autorul nu se ferește să găsească vinovații pentru dispariția Imperiului Roman de Apus: deciziile luate de împărații dinastiei teodosiene (cei doi Teodosie, Honorius, Arcadius și Valentinian al III-lea) - "bicisnicul împărat Valentinian".
Recomand
În est, Persia Sasanidă a fost atacată de hunii albi. În timpul unei bătalii din nordul Afganistanului de astăzi, șahinșahul Peroz a fost omorât, imperiul său devenind practic un stat vasal al hunilor. Cu marele rival scos din joc, Imperiul Roman de Răsărit ar fi putut să ajute mai mult fratele suferind din vest, dar nu a făcut-o.
În acest context a avut loc desantul hunilor lui Attila în Imperiul Roman.
Sub asaltul hunilor, armata Imperiului Roman de Răsărit a devenit, paradoxal, mai puternică. Profitând de boom-ul economic, armata și-a putut dubla dimensiunea. Sub împăratul Marcian au suficient de încrezători încât să refuze plata tributului.
În cealaltă parte a Mediteranei, redus la provinciile Italia, Iliria și porțiuni din Galia, Imperiul Roman de Apus era falimentar. Armata era mică și formată preponderent din mercenari barbari.
Cu toate acestea, romanii din Apus l-au oprit pe Attila în bătălia din Câmpiile Catalaunice (451 d. Hr.), de lângă Troyes, cu contribuția decisivă a vizigoților.
Imperiul lui Attila s-a destrămat imediat după moartea sa. Doar o personalitate puternică putea ține unite triburile. Un alt motiv pentru disoluția rapidă a imperiului hunic a fost strategia nesustenabilă a acestuia, ce presupunea aprovizionarea constantă cu aur din tribut și jaf pentru a cumpăra loialitatea supușilor germanici.
Dispariția hunilor nu a însemnat dispariția problemelor pentru romani. Imperiul Roman de Apus va înceta să existe în decurs de o generație. Autorul nu se ferește să găsească vinovații pentru dispariția Imperiului Roman de Apus: deciziile luate de împărații dinastiei teodosiene (cei doi Teodosie, Honorius, Arcadius și Valentinian al III-lea) - "bicisnicul împărat Valentinian".
Recomand
April 20, 2024
Still interesting but not quite on par with the previous two series books.
February 8, 2025
Rome and Attila was a great book that attempts to chronicle both the final years of the Western Roman Empire and the impact that Attila the Hun had on the world at the time.
In this, it mostly succeeds. Holmes uses what scant sources we have of the time and tries to present a narrative which he and I both agree with; that Attila the Hun presented the greatest threat to Rome since Hannibal was at the gates more than 6 centuries before.
He presents many interesting concepts in this; that the Huns moved from Asian steppe to European plain because of climate change, that Attila carefully constructed a monstrous image, that the success of the Vandals in North Africa was down to a combination of Attila’s influence, Gaiseric’s skill and finally that Attila had a large role to play in Justinian and Belisarius’s conquests almost a century later.
Though I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says, his concise style and great prose allows for an easily digestible overview of this period.
In this, it mostly succeeds. Holmes uses what scant sources we have of the time and tries to present a narrative which he and I both agree with; that Attila the Hun presented the greatest threat to Rome since Hannibal was at the gates more than 6 centuries before.
He presents many interesting concepts in this; that the Huns moved from Asian steppe to European plain because of climate change, that Attila carefully constructed a monstrous image, that the success of the Vandals in North Africa was down to a combination of Attila’s influence, Gaiseric’s skill and finally that Attila had a large role to play in Justinian and Belisarius’s conquests almost a century later.
Though I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says, his concise style and great prose allows for an easily digestible overview of this period.
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.
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.
March 18, 2024
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.
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.
September 1, 2025
Rome and Attila by Nick Holmes – ★★★☆☆
This was not my favorite of Holmes’s books, though it was still worth the read. I did learn quite a bit about Attila the Hun—especially how climate change pushed the Huns westward into conflict with the Romans and the Germanic tribes. That background was both informative and interesting, and Holmes explains it clearly.
That said, one of the downfalls of this book is its repetitive nature. Holmes often pulls passages verbatim from earlier volumes, which makes parts of it feel recycled. The overall effect is what I’d call “Ancient Roman History Light.” He tends to skim over important topics, likely due to the lack of source material from this period. Unlike the Republic and early Empire, when writers like Livy were constantly documenting events, here we’re left with far fewer voices—and it shows. No Livy quotes in this one!
In the end, while Rome and Attila has its strengths, I didn’t find it as engaging or fresh as some of Holmes’s other works. It’s a decent introduction to the topic, but not the standout of his series.
This was not my favorite of Holmes’s books, though it was still worth the read. I did learn quite a bit about Attila the Hun—especially how climate change pushed the Huns westward into conflict with the Romans and the Germanic tribes. That background was both informative and interesting, and Holmes explains it clearly.
That said, one of the downfalls of this book is its repetitive nature. Holmes often pulls passages verbatim from earlier volumes, which makes parts of it feel recycled. The overall effect is what I’d call “Ancient Roman History Light.” He tends to skim over important topics, likely due to the lack of source material from this period. Unlike the Republic and early Empire, when writers like Livy were constantly documenting events, here we’re left with far fewer voices—and it shows. No Livy quotes in this one!
In the end, while Rome and Attila has its strengths, I didn’t find it as engaging or fresh as some of Holmes’s other works. It’s a decent introduction to the topic, but not the standout of his series.
December 16, 2024
This is another compelling addition to Nick Holmes' series on the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. In this concise yet deeply informative book, Holmes skillfully navigates the chaotic final decades of the Western Roman Empire, shedding light on the key figures and events that shaped its downfall. The book balances historical narrative with insightful analysis, making it both dynamic and super educational.
However, this is perhaps the most challenging to read so far in the series. Holmes introduces a vast array of names and battles, many of which were unfamiliar to me, making it a bit harder to follow.
What I particularly appreciate is Holmes’ willingness to offer his own theories on certain events, which often feel well-reasoned and plausible. These interpretations add an extra layer of depth to the book, inviting readers to think critically about the history of Rome’s decline.
However, this is perhaps the most challenging to read so far in the series. Holmes introduces a vast array of names and battles, many of which were unfamiliar to me, making it a bit harder to follow.
What I particularly appreciate is Holmes’ willingness to offer his own theories on certain events, which often feel well-reasoned and plausible. These interpretations add an extra layer of depth to the book, inviting readers to think critically about the history of Rome’s decline.
December 2, 2024
Holmes' writing is, as always, quite succinct and brief - he has a talent for communicating his arguments with few wasted words. This volume in his projected six-part series relates the life and times of Attila, along with how his actions affected the course of both the western and eastern Roman empires. It's incredible to see how the western half of the empire continued to hold on, even as it lost its armies, its land, and its resolve, guided by the hands of a few, competent leaders. It's often tempting to see steppe empires as being ephemeral and having few lasting effects, but Holmes argues that they have often had more of an impact on settled societies than is immediately apparent. Overall, Rome and Attila is a brief, but informative overview of the last days of the western Roman empire and the life of the man who brought it there.
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 :)
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 :)
June 22, 2024
Finished the 3 volume series. Enjoyed overall. Some material is repeated in V3. I’m reading and thinking “didn’t I read this already”. Sure enough already covered in V2.
July 19, 2025
this is the 3rd in Nick Holmes' series on the late roman empire which starts from the crisis of the 3rd century and ends with the Arab invasions of the 7th century
As such it covers the decline and fall of the Roman superpower.
this book covers the period from the sack of Rome in 410AD to the abdication of the last western emperor in 476.
it is an exceptionally well written breezy overview of the situation. I think Holmes' strength lies in his ability to synthese a lot of material and to make connections between disperate sources.
there is nothing new here but it feels fresh and some of the conclusions are original.
2 key things for me. Holmes is great at explaining both why the eastern empire survived but also why it wasn't able to offer much help to the west. basically the east dealt with the ongoing barbarian crisis by almost offering the barbarians the easier route into the west.
I think he is also good on the true impact of Attila. Perhaps Atilla didn't have a huge direct impact on Rome but he occupied so much attention and resources that he stopped the Romans from dealing with other issues, such as the Vandals in North Africa.
Holmes also lays bare the poor state of leadership in the west in the 5th century. the 2 key emperors were honorius and Valentinan III who ruled from 400AD to 455AD. Both were useless.
this is proving to be a great series.
As such it covers the decline and fall of the Roman superpower.
this book covers the period from the sack of Rome in 410AD to the abdication of the last western emperor in 476.
it is an exceptionally well written breezy overview of the situation. I think Holmes' strength lies in his ability to synthese a lot of material and to make connections between disperate sources.
there is nothing new here but it feels fresh and some of the conclusions are original.
2 key things for me. Holmes is great at explaining both why the eastern empire survived but also why it wasn't able to offer much help to the west. basically the east dealt with the ongoing barbarian crisis by almost offering the barbarians the easier route into the west.
I think he is also good on the true impact of Attila. Perhaps Atilla didn't have a huge direct impact on Rome but he occupied so much attention and resources that he stopped the Romans from dealing with other issues, such as the Vandals in North Africa.
Holmes also lays bare the poor state of leadership in the west in the 5th century. the 2 key emperors were honorius and Valentinan III who ruled from 400AD to 455AD. Both were useless.
this is proving to be a great series.
April 19, 2025
Considerable Insight
Nick Holmes third book on the decline of the Roman Empire investigates the role of the Huns in the destruction of the empire in Western Europe. Holmes’ research reveals that a mega drought in Central Asia forced the Huns to migrate into Eastern and Central Europe. His study reveals the enormous impact the Hunic Empire had on the Western Empire and even the Eastern Empire. Holmes explains why the Huns led to the complete destruction of the Western Roman Empire. Like all of Holmes books, it is insightful, easy to read and not long.
Nick Holmes third book on the decline of the Roman Empire investigates the role of the Huns in the destruction of the empire in Western Europe. Holmes’ research reveals that a mega drought in Central Asia forced the Huns to migrate into Eastern and Central Europe. His study reveals the enormous impact the Hunic Empire had on the Western Empire and even the Eastern Empire. Holmes explains why the Huns led to the complete destruction of the Western Roman Empire. Like all of Holmes books, it is insightful, easy to read and not long.
January 15, 2025
The third of Nick Holmes' books on the end of the Roman Empire covers from the sacking of Rome in 410 through the death of Attila in 453, and then the end of Western Roman administration in 476.
The good news is that the transition between The Fall of Rome and this book isn't as repetitious as between the first two, and I don't know of any books essential to the period that he's missed out on this time.
The bad news is the transition does still have a lot of copy-and-pasted material that someone reading straight through will want to skip, and there's no roadsigns to it. But it's not as extensive, and seems broken up a little by new or rewritten material.
I am gratified to see Ian Hughes' books (most notably Patricians and Emperors) show up in the notes. I have some problems with his books, but they are invaluable reconstructions of what was going on politically in the western Empire in this period. For anyone wanting more on the climatic battle between (effectively) Western Europe and Atilla, I recommend Osprey Publishing's Catalaunian Fields AD 451 (Campaign #286). This is a detailed look at the campaign, and might have informed this book some, but is at a lower level than the bulk of the narrative.
On the other hand, Holmes has definitely fallen in love with one of his sources, Priscus' History of Byzantium; or at least those pieces that survive. The actual work is lost to us, but it extensively quoted in other places, and he presents a translation of parts of those quotes put together at the end of his book. I admit I haven't really read that part, but I certainly commend him for its inclusion.
Holmes does have his own thoughts on the importance of Atilla, and the tribute the eastern Empire was paying during this period. Even better, he has some thoughts on a military recovery in this period. I'd have to see something a little more finely argued, and some counter arguments to come to a real opinion, but he does make an interesting case. Overall, its a good addition to the series, and while I still say don't read it immediately after the previous book, it's still a great starting place on this bit of history.
The good news is that the transition between The Fall of Rome and this book isn't as repetitious as between the first two, and I don't know of any books essential to the period that he's missed out on this time.
The bad news is the transition does still have a lot of copy-and-pasted material that someone reading straight through will want to skip, and there's no roadsigns to it. But it's not as extensive, and seems broken up a little by new or rewritten material.
I am gratified to see Ian Hughes' books (most notably Patricians and Emperors) show up in the notes. I have some problems with his books, but they are invaluable reconstructions of what was going on politically in the western Empire in this period. For anyone wanting more on the climatic battle between (effectively) Western Europe and Atilla, I recommend Osprey Publishing's Catalaunian Fields AD 451 (Campaign #286). This is a detailed look at the campaign, and might have informed this book some, but is at a lower level than the bulk of the narrative.
On the other hand, Holmes has definitely fallen in love with one of his sources, Priscus' History of Byzantium; or at least those pieces that survive. The actual work is lost to us, but it extensively quoted in other places, and he presents a translation of parts of those quotes put together at the end of his book. I admit I haven't really read that part, but I certainly commend him for its inclusion.
Holmes does have his own thoughts on the importance of Atilla, and the tribute the eastern Empire was paying during this period. Even better, he has some thoughts on a military recovery in this period. I'd have to see something a little more finely argued, and some counter arguments to come to a real opinion, but he does make an interesting case. Overall, its a good addition to the series, and while I still say don't read it immediately after the previous book, it's still a great starting place on this bit of history.
March 29, 2025
I enjoyed this series but, the one thing I did not like was the fact that the first several chapters are almost word for word the same as chapters in the previous book in the series. If you’re only reading the one book it’s not a problem but when you read all 4, it’s annoying to read the same thing over again in the next book.
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
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
February 25, 2025
Throughly interesting read about the last days of the western Roman Empire. I knew a tiny bit about 4th-5th century but this gave me a better look into this period
June 24, 2025
Another excellent book! This is one of the best series I have read to date. This is a must read.
July 5, 2025
If you want a lot of detail, this is the book. I found it challenging to keep up with the detail myself but for some, this will be ideal!
November 18, 2025
Quick read. Not as linear at points and the politics. Long explanations regarding the political dynamics mixed with references to policy not yet discussed can make it confusing at points.
January 15, 2026
An incredible non-fiction series about the Roman Republic and Empire. Nick Holmes presents history in a way that is both highly accessible and deeply informative. The narrative brings the politics, culture, and military campaigns of Rome vividly to life, while still being grounded in solid research. It’s a perfect introduction for anyone interested in Roman history, but it also offers plenty of depth for readers who already know the basics. I strongly recommend reading the entire series from start to finish — it gives you a clear sense of how Rome rose, flourished, and eventually declined.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews