The Huns in Western Consciousness: Images, Stereotypes and Civilization

This article is devoted to negative images and stereotypes to the Huns in Western historiography. The author points out that the aforementioned negative images and stereotypes connected, in turn, to the very concept of 'civilization' in its Western interpretation, have strongly affected the scientific research of the Hungarian Chronicles. The author analyses a number of both medieval and modern sources. He finally comes to conclusion that in order for objective revaluation, understanding and study of the mental and physical culture of the steppe peoples, including the Huns to be succesful the aforementioned negative clichés must be got rid of in the scientists' consciousness.