News Archaeology

Ancient Romans may have been cozier with Huns than they let on

Despite painting nomadic Huns as ‘barbarians,’ Roman settlers swapped menus with them

Hun skull

HEADY HUNS  A new analysis of diet among the Huns and ancient Romans uses human remains from five Roman Empire frontier sites, including this skull with a stretched-out braincase. The practice of binding children’s heads to elongate the skull is thought to have originated among nomadic Huns.

S.E. Hakenbeck

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Nomadic warriors and herders known as the Huns are described in historical accounts as having instigated the fifth century fall of the Roman Empire under Attila’s leadership.