text, the author introduces the project, explaining his growing fascination with Attila while researching the Roman Gauls. Thierry aims to depict Attila as he truly was, assisted by historical fragments from contemporary sources such as Priscus, who encountered Attila during an embassy. The opening details the sources that will inform this study, including Roman chronicles and Germanic traditions, setting the stage for a complex exploration of Attila's character and the myriad interpretations of his legacy across different cultures. The narrative also hints at the broader scope of the work, which will trace the influence of Attila's empire long after his death through his descendants and their continued impact on European history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)