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Zerco was a Moorish dwarf, and the slave and jester of Attila the Hun. Because his appearance was considered comical, he was used to entertain his master’s army. In this less than enviable life, Zerco managed to make himself popular with the Huns, and to transform his weakness into a strength that enabled him to take control of his destiny.
Zerco was from Mauretania. He was short, had a hunchback, twisted feet and a flat nose. Because of his appearance, he was sold as a slave for his masters’ amusement.
Zerco’s first master was the Roman general Aspar, who bought him in 432, during his military campaign against the Vandals with Bonifatius, the Roman governor of Africa. Zerco went to Constantinople with Aspar, and then accompanied his master in his military campaigns.
Around 442, Zerco was captured by the Huns. Bleda, the brother of Attila, became his new master. Bleda was so fascinated by Zerco that he took him everywhere with him. He even had a special armor made for him, that fitted his anatomy. One day, Zerco fled with other prisoners. Bleda let the others run away, but took Zerco back. When Bleda askec him why he had fled, Zerco said he wanted to find a wife, and Bleda married him to a maid of the Queen.
After Bleda died, Attila inherited Zerco. Unlike Bleda, Attila hated Zerco; but he was too popular in the army to get rid of him.
After some time, Attila offered Zerco to the Roman general Aetius, as a gift to seal a peace agreement. Aetius gave him back to his former master Aspar. However, Zerco still wished to return to the Huns. When a Roman delegation led by the diplomat and historian Priscus was sent to Attila, he asked for permission to go with them, but his request was denied. It is Priscus who mentions Zerco in his writings.
Zerco probably finished his life in Constantinople. Nothing more is known about him.
| Why write about this? We strongly condemn any kind of abuse against disabled people, even more so for entertainment. However, such practices sadly existed. Mentioning it does not mean approving it. Zerco is part of the history of North Africa. As we publish this article, our hope is that his story, the dignity he found in his unhappy life, would be a source of inspiration for others. |
