Roman and Hunnic warriors are evaluated and compared in this fully illustrated study of Attila's attempt to conquer Europe in the 5th century AD. The Huns appeared in the history of Western Europe in the 4th century AD. Primarily fighting on horseback, the Huns employed sophisticated tactics that exploited the power of their bows, gaining a reputation for their skill in hand-to-hand combat.

Facing the Huns, the Roman Army provided a variety of cavalry types, from heavily armed and armored clibanarii and cataphracts to mounted archers and slingers. Many of these soldiers were recruited from allies or cultures, including the Huns themselves.

After establishing a multilingual empire in Eastern and Central Europe, the Huns repeatedly attacked Roman territories, besieging the city of Naissus in 443. With Constantinople threatened, the Romans agreed to pay a massive indemnity. In 447, Attila returned to Roman territory, facing the Romans at the battle of Utus in Bulgaria. The Huns besieged Constantinople, but were unable to capture the city. In 451, after the Huns invaded the Western Roman Empire, an army led by the Roman general Aetius pursued the invaders, bringing them to battle at the Catalaunian Plains.

With specially commissioned illustrations and maps, this study examines the origins, battle methods, and reputation of the cavalry forces on both sides, with particular attention to the siege of Naissus, the battle of Utus, and the climactic encounter at the Catalaunian Plains.