Once there was a fierce and warlike tribe called the Huns. They had driven the Goths to seek new homes. They came from Asia into Southeastern Europe and took possession of a large territory lying north of the River Danube.
During the first half of the fifth century the Huns had a famous king named Attila. He was only twenty-one years old when he became their king. Even though he was young, he was very brave and ambitious, and he wanted to be a great and powerful king.
Not far from Attila's palace there was a great rocky cave in the mountains. In this cave lived a strange man called the “Hermit of the Rocks.” No one knew his real name, or from what country he had come. He was very old, with a wrinkled face and long gray hair and beard.
Many persons believed that he was a fortune-teller, so people often went to him to ask what would happen to them. One day, shortly after he became king, Attila went to the cave to get his fortune told.
“Wise man,” said he, “look into the future and tell me what is before me in the path of life.”
The hermit thought for a few moments. Then he said, “O King, I see you a famous conqueror, the master of many nations. I see you going from country to country, defeating armies and destroying cities. Men shall call you the 'Fear of the World.'”
Read the story of this warrior king who attempted to conquer the Roman Empire.
Ages 7 to 10.
Educational Versions include exercises designed to meet Common Core standards.
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