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5 of the Most Ruthless Rulers in Ancient History

You wouldn't want to cross paths with these ancient rulers, who were known for invasion and torture. Here are five of the worst tyrants in history.

By Allison Futterman
Jan 15, 2024 8:00 PMJan 15, 2024 8:55 PM
Ivan the Terrible
(Credit:Alexey Borodin/Shutterstock)

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History is full of brutal, cruel and power-hungry rulers. Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot and Idi Amin are just several the world has seen within the last century. Let’s take a deeper dive and explore some five ruthless rulers throughout ancient history.  

1. Attila The Hun

(Credit:alberto clemares exposito/Shutterstock)

Who Was Attila the Hun?

Ruling the Hunnic Empire from A.D. 434-453, Attila the Hun was known as “The Scourge of God.” After seizing power for himself by killing his older brother, Bleda — Attila went on to expand his empire into areas of Germany, the Balkans and Russia. 

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