Before 448, the Greeks saw Attila the Hun as simply a frightening, ruthless leader. When the Greek historian Priscus visited his courts that year, however, he had a far different experience to report. Priscus’ first-hand account of life at Attila’s court shows a different side to the vicious king. While his record is undoubtedly covered in bloodshed and brutality, Priscus reveals Attila as a man also capable of courtesy, generosity, and even—occasionally—mercy.