Priscus

Priscus , resulting from Panium in Thrace, is a Greek sophist and historian of the 5th century.

It accompanied Maximin, the ambassador of Theodosius II, at the court of Attila in 448. During the reign of Marcien (450-457) it also took part in the missions in Arabia and Egypt. Priscus was the author of a work of history in eight books ( Byzantine History ), probably of the accession of Attila to that of Zénon (433-474). Only fragments us arrived from there, mainly preserved in the Getica of Jordanès. The description of Attila, his court and the reception of the Roman ambassadors is to inform us about the modern history of the time. The style of Priscus is simple. Its impartiality and its fidelity placed it among the honourable authors of its time.

Maximin and Priscus arrive at the court of Attila at the end of the summer 449. Their relation of voyage locates the ordu Attila at the east of the the Tisza, the north of the Temes and the south of Körös, without one being able to specify the exact place of it. They discover a town of tents around a headland where is drawn up the built royal palace out of wood, surrounded by a high palisade furnished with turns. They meet Attila on several occasions, in particular during a banquet, which reveals the severe label of the court, learned by the Huns in Central Asia or in contact with the Perses, but of a calculated simplicity. Priscus describes Attila like a man sober in his clothing and its food, dark and superstitious, but fine diplomat and able to play the comedy.

Priscus admires the palates out of wooden of Huns. It notes that the floor of the palate of the principal wife of Attila, Arykan, is covered with carpet on which “one could walk”. Arykan offers wine to its guests.

Priscus meets a merchant originating in Viminacium, as a Messiah, who lives with the Scythian mode. This former prisoner of Onégèse states to him to prefer to live in freedom among the Barbarians that under the yoke of the Empire.

See too

Empire hunnic

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