History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire By Edward Gibbon, Esq. With notes by the Rev. H. H. Milman Complete Contents 1782 (Written), 1845 (Revised) There are two Project Gutenberg sets produced by David Reed of the complete ÃHistory Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman EmpireÃ by Edward Gibbon: the 1996 edition (PG #731-736) has the advantage of including all the foonotes by Gibbon and others; the 1997 edition (PG #890-895) was provided at that time only in html format and footnotes were not included in the first five volumes of this set. Project Gutenberg files #731-736 in the utf-8 charset are the basis of the present complete edition, #25717 All the original 12 sets were reproofed in 2010 with correction of several thousand errors. An html and text format were provided for both sets. The HTML version of the earlier has approximately 6000 linked footnotes. David Reedâs note in the original Project Gutenberg 1997 edition: I want to make this the best etext edition possible for both scholars and the general public and would like to thank those who have helped in making this text better. Especially Dale R. Fredrickson who has hand entered the Greek characters in the footnotes and who has suggested retaining the conjoined ae character in the text. A set in my library of the first original First American Edition of 1836 was used as a reference for the many questions which came up during the re-proofing and renovation of the 1996 and 1997 Project Gutenberg editions. Images of spines, front-leaf, frontispiece, and the titlepage of the 1836 set are inserted below along with the two large fold out maps. DAVID WIDGER For Project Gutenberg spines (138K) inside (130K) portrait (157K) titlepage (41K) MAPS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE Western Empire Full Size Original Archive West-NW-thumb (30K) Full Size Original Archive West-SW-thumb (26K) Full Size Original Archive West-NE-thumb (33K) Full Size Original Archive West-SE-thumb (41K) Eastern Empire Full Size Original Archive East-NW-thumb (30K) Full Size Original Archive East-SW-thumb (26K) Full Size Original Archive East-NE-thumb (33K) Full Size Original Archive East-SE-thumb (41K) 1996 Project Gutenberg Edition Table of Contents for Ebooks 731-736 VOLUME ONE Introduction Preface By The Editor. Preface Of The Author. Preface To The First Volume. Preface To The Fourth Volume Of The Original Quarto Edition. Chapter I: The Extent Of The Empire In The Age Of The AntoninesâPart I. The Extent And Military Force Of The Empire In The Age Of The Antonines. Chapter I: The Extent Of The Empire In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart II. Chapter I: The Extent Of The Empire In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart III. Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart I. Of The Union And Internal Prosperity Of The Roman Empire, In The Age Of The Antonines. Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart II. Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart III. Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines. Part IV. Chapter III: The Constitution In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart I. Of The Constitution Of The Roman Empire, In The Age Of The Antonines. Chapter III: The Constitution In The Age Of The Antonines.âPart II. Chapter IV: The Cruelty, Follies And Murder Of Commodus.âPart I. The Cruelty, Follies, And Murder Of CommodusâElection Of PertinaxâHis Attempts To Reform The StateâHis Assassination By The PrÂ¾torian Guards. Chapter IV: The Cruelty, Follies And Murder Of Commodus.âPart II. Chapter V: Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus.âPart I. Public Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus By The PrÂ¾torian GuardsÃClodius Albinus In Britain, Pescennius Niger In Syria, And Septimius Severus In Pannonia, Declare Against The Murderers Of PertinaxâCivil Wars And Victory Of Severus Over His Three RivalsâRelaxation Of DisciplineâNew Maxims Of Government. Chapter V: Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus.âPart II. Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Macrinus.âPart I. The Death Of Severus.âTyranny Of Caracalla.âUsurpation Of Macrinus.âFollies Of Elagabalus.âVirtues Of Alexander Severus.âLicentiousness Of The Army.âGeneral State Of The Roman Finances. Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Macrinus.âPart II. Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Macrinus.âPart III. Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Macrinus.âPart IV. Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.âPart I. The Elevation And Tyranny Of Maximin.âRebellion In Africa And Italy, Under The Authority Of The Senate.âCivil Wars And Seditions.âViolent Deaths Of Maximin And His Son, Of Maximus And Balbinus, And Of The Three Gordians.â Usurpation And Secular Games Of Philip. Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.âPart II. Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.âPart III. Chapter VIII: State Of Persion And Restoration Of The Monarchy.âPart I. Of The State Of Persia After The Restoration Of The Monarchy By Artaxerxes. Chapter VIII: State Of Persion And Restoration Of The Monarchy.âPart II. Chapter IX: State Of Germany Until The Barbarians.âPart I. The State Of Germany Till The Invasion Of The Barbarians In The Time Of The Emperor Decius. Chapter IX: State Of Germany Until The Barbarians.âPart II. Chapter IX: State Of Germany Until The Barbarians.âPart III. Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Â®milianus, Valerian And GallienusâPart I. The Emperors Decius, Gallus, Â®milianus, Valerian, And Gallienus.âThe General Irruption Of The Barbarians.âThe Thirty Tyrants. Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Â®milianus, Valerian And Gallienus.âPart II. Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Â®milianus, Valerian And Gallienus.âPart III. Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Â®milianus, Valerian And Gallienus.âPart IV. Chapter XI: Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths.âPart I. Reign Of Claudius.âDefeat Of The Goths.âVictories, Triumph, And Death Of Aurelian. Chapter XI: Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths.âPart II. Chapter XI: Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths.âPart III. Chapter XII: Reigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus And His Sons.âPart I. Conduct Of The Army And Senate After The Death Of Aurelian. âReigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus, And His Sons. Chapter XII: Reigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus And His Sons.âPart II. Chapter XII: Reigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus And His Sons.âPart III. Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.âPart I. The Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates, Maximian, Galerius, And Constantius.âGeneral Reestablishment Of Order And Tranquillity.âThe Persian War, Victory, And Triumph.âThe New Form Of Administration.âAbdication And Retirement Of Diocletian And Maximian. Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.âPart II. Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.âPart III. Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.âPart IV. Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.âPart I. Troubles After The Abdication Of Diocletian.âDeath Of Constantius.âElevation Of Constantine And Maxentius.â Six Emperors At The Same Time.âDeath Of Maximian And Galerius.âVictories Of Constantine Over Maxentius And Licinus.âReunion Of The Empire Under The Authority Of Constantine. Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.âPart II. Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.âPart III. Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.âPart IV. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart I. The Progress Of The Christian Religion, And The Sentiments, Manners, Numbers, And Condition Of The Primitive Christians. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart II. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart III. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart IV. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart V. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart VI. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart VII Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart VIII. Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.âPart IX. VOLUME TWO Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart I. The Conduct Of The Roman Government Towards The Christians, From The Reign Of Nero To That Of Constantine. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart II. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart III. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart IV. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart V. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart VI. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart VII. Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.âPart VIII. Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.âPart I. Foundation Of Constantinople.âPolitical System Constantine, And His Successors.âMilitary Discipline.âThe Palace.âThe Finances. Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.âPart II. Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.âPart III. Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.âPart IV. Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.âPart V. Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.âPart VI. Chapter XVIII: Character Of Constantine And His Sons.âPart I. Character Of Constantine.âGothic War.âDeath Of Constantine.âDivision Of The Empire Among His Three Sons.â Persian War.âTragic Deaths Of Constantine The Younger And Constans.âUsurpation Of Magnentius.âCivil War.âVictory Of Constantius. Chapter XVIII: Character Of Constantine And His Sons.âPart II. Chapter XVIII: Character Of Constantine And His Sons.âPart III. Chapter XVIII: Character Of Constantine And His Sons.âPart IV. Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.âPart I. Constantius Sole Emperor.âElevation And Death Of Gallus.â Danger And Elevation Of Julian.âSarmatian And Persian Wars.âVictories Of Julian In Gaul. Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.âPart II. Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.âPart III. Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.âPart IV. Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.âPart I. The Motives, Progress, And Effects Of The Conversion Of Constantine.âLegal Establishment And Constitution Of The Christian Or Catholic Church. Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.âPart II. Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.âPart III. Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.âPart IV. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart I. Persecution Of Heresy.âThe Schism Of The Donatists.âThe Arian Controversy.âAthanasius.âDistracted State Of The Church And Empire Under Constantine And His Sons.â Toleration Of Paganism. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart II. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart III. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart IV. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart V. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart VI. Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.âPart VII. Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.âPart I. Julian Is Declared Emperor By The Legions Of Gaul.âHis March And Success.âThe Death Of Constantius.âCivil Administration Of Julian. Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.âPart II. Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.âPart III. Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.âPart IV. Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.âPart I. The Religion Of Julian.âUniversal Toleration.âHe Attempts To Restore And Reform The Pagan WorshipâTo Rebuild The Temple Of JerusalemâHis Artful Persecution Of The Christians.âMutual Zeal And Injustice. Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.âPart II. Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.âPart III. Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.âPart IV. Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.âPart V. Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.âPart I. Residence Of Julian At Antioch.âHis Successful Expedition Against The Persians.âPassage Of The TigrisâThe Retreat And Death Of Julian.âElection Of Jovian.âHe Saves The Roman Army By A Disgraceful Treaty. Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.âPart II. Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.âPart III. Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.âPart IV. Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.âPart V. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart I. The Government And Death Of Jovian.âElection Of Valentinian, Who Associates His Brother Valens, And Makes The Final Division Of The Eastern And Western Empires.â Revolt Of Procopius.âCivil And Ecclesiastical Administration.âGermany.ÃBritain.âAfrica.âThe East.â The Danube.âDeath Of Valentinian.âHis Two Sons, Gratian And Valentinian II., Succeed To The Western Empire. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart II. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart III. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart IV. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart V. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart VI. Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.âPart VII. Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.âPart I. Manners Of The Pastoral Nations.âProgress Of The Huns, From China To Europe.âFlight Of The Goths.âThey Pass The Danube.âGothic War.âDefeat And Death Of Valens.âGratian Invests Theodosius With The Eastern Empire.âHis Character And Success.âPeace And Settlement Of The Goths. Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.âPart II. Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.âPart III. Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.âPart IV. Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.âPart V. VOLUME THREE Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.âPart I. Death Of Gratian.âRuin Of Arianism.âSt. Ambrose.âFirst Civil War, Against Maximus.âCharacter, Administration, And Penance Of Theodosius.âDeath Of Valentinian II.âSecond Civil War, Against Eugenius.âDeath Of Theodosius. Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.âPart II. Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.âPart III. Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.âPart IV. Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.âPart V. Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.âPart I. Final Destruction Of Paganism.âIntroduction Of The Worship Of Saints, And Relics, Among The Christians. Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.âPart II. Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.âPart III. Chapter XXIX: Division Of Roman Empire Between Sons Of Theodosius.âPart I. Final Division Of The Roman Empire Between The Sons Of Theodosius.âReign Of Arcadius And HonoriusâAdministration Of Rufinus And Stilicho.âRevolt And Defeat Of Gildo In Africa. Chapter XXIX: Division Of Roman Empire Between Sons Of Theodosius.âPart II. Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.âPart I. Revolt Of The Goths.âThey Plunder Greece.âTwo Great Invasions Of Italy By Alaric And Radagaisus.âThey Are Repulsed By Stilicho.âThe Germans Overrun Gaul.âUsurpation Of Constantine In The West.âDisgrace And Death Of Stilicho. Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.âPart II. Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.âPart III. Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.âPart IV. Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.âPart V. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart I. Invasion Of Italy By Alaric.âManners Of The Roman Senate And People.âRome Is Thrice Besieged, And At Length Pillaged, By The Goths.âDeath Of Alaric.âThe Goths Evacuate Italy.âFall Of Constantine.âGaul And Spain Are Occupied By The Barbarians.ÃIndependence Of Britain. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart II. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart II. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart III. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart IV. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart V. Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.âPart VI. Chapter XXXII: Emperors Arcadius, Eutropius, Theodosius II.âPart I. Arcadius Emperor Of The East.âAdministration And Disgrace Of Eutropius.âRevolt Of Gainas.âPersecution Of St. John Chrysostom.âTheodosius II. Emperor Of The East.âHis Sister Pulcheria.âHis Wife Eudocia.âThe Persian War, And Division Of Armenia. Chapter XXXII: Emperors Arcadius, Eutropius, Theodosius II.âPart II. Chapter XXXII: Emperors Arcadius, Eutropius, Theodosius II.âPart III. Chapter XXXIII: Conquest Of Africa By The Vandals.âPart I. Death Of Honorius.âValentinian III.âEmperor Of The East. âAdministration Of His Mother PlacidiaÃÂ®tius And Boniface.âConquest Of Africa By The Vandals. Chapter XXXIII: Conquest Of Africa By The Vandals.âPart II. Chapter XXXIV: Attila.âPart I. The Character, Conquests, And Court Of Attila, King Of The Huns.âDeath Of Theodosius The Younger.âElevation Of Marcian To The Empire Of The East. Chapter XXXIV: Attila.âPart II. Chapter XXXIV: Attila.âPart III. Chapter XXXV: Invasion By Attila.âPart I. Invasion Of Gaul By Attila.âHe Is Repulsed By Â®tius And The Visigoths.âAttila Invades And Evacuates Italy.âThe Deaths Of Attila, Â®tius, And Valentinian The Third. Chapter XXXV: Invasion By Attila.âPart II. Chapter XXXV: Invasion By Attila.âPart III. Chapter XXXVI: Total Extinction Of The Western Empire.âPart I. Sack Of Rome By Genseric, King Of The Vandals.âHis Naval Depredations.âSuccession Of The Last Emperors Of The West, Maximus, Avitus, Majorian, Severus, Anthemius, Olybrius, Glycerius, Nepos, Augustulus.âTotal Extinction Of The Western Empire.âReign Of Odoacer, The First Barbarian King Of Italy. Chapter XXXVI: Total Extinction Of The Western Empire.âPart II. Chapter XXXVI: Total Extinction Of The Western Empire.âPart III. Chapter XXXVI: Total Extinction Of The Western Empire.âPart IV. Chapter XXXVI: Total Extinction Of The Western Empire.âPart V. Chapter XXXVII: Conversion Of The Barbarians To Christianity.âPart I. Origin Progress, And Effects Of The Monastic Life.â Conversion Of The Barbarians To Christianity And Arianism.â Persecution Of The Vandals In Africa.âExtinction Of Arianism Among The Barbarians. Chapter XXXVII: Conversion Of The Barbarians To Christianity.âPart II. Chapter XXXVII: Conversion Of The Barbarians To Christianity.âPart III. Chapter XXXVII: Conversion Of The Barbarians To Christianity.âPart IV. Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.âPart I. Reign And Conversion Of Clovis.âHis Victories Over The Alemanni, Burgundians, And Visigoths.âEstablishment Of The French Monarchy In Gaul.âLaws Of The Barbarians.âState Of The Romans.âThe Visigoths Of Spain.âConquest Of Britain By The Saxons. Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.âPart II. Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.âPart III. Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.âPart IV. Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.âPart V. Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.âPart VI. VOLUME FOUR Chapter XXXIX: Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.âPart I. Zeno And Anastasius, Emperors Of The East.âBirth, Education, And First Exploits Of Theodoric The Ostrogoth.â His Invasion And Conquest Of Italy.âThe Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.âState Of The West.âMilitary And Civil Government.â The Senator Boethius.âLast Acts And Death Of Theodoric. Chapter XXXIX: Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.âPart II. Chapter XXXIX: Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.âPart III. Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.âPart I. Elevation Of Justin The Elder.âReign Of Justinian.âI. The Empress Theodora.âII. Factions Of The Circus, And Sedition Of Constantinople.âIII. Trade And Manufacture Of Silk.â IV. Finances And Taxes.âV. Edifices Of Justinian.âChurch Of St. Sophia.âFortifications And Frontiers Of The Eastern Empire.âAbolition Of The Schools Of Athens, And The Consulship Of Rome. Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.âPart II. Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.âPart III. Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.âPart IV. Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.âPart V. Chapter XLI: Conquests Of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius.âPart I. Conquests Of Justinian In The West.âCharacter And First Campaigns Of BelisariusâHe Invades And Subdues The Vandal Kingdom Of AfricaâHis Triumph.âThe Gothic War.âHe Recovers Sicily, Naples, And Rome.âSiege Of Rome By The Goths.âTheir Retreat And Losses.âSurrender Of Ravenna.â Glory Of Belisarius.âHis Domestic Shame And Misfortunes. Chapter XLI: Conquests Of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius.âPart II. Chapter XLI: Conquests Of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius.âPart III. Chapter XLI: Conquests Of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius.âPart IV. Chapter XLI: Conquests Of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius.âPart V. Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.âPart I. State Of The Barbaric World.âEstablishment Of The Lombards On the Danube.âTribes And Inroads Of The Sclavonians.â Origin, Empire, And Embassies Of The Turks.âThe Flight Of The Avars.âChosroes I, Or Nushirvan, King Of Persia.âHis Prosperous Reign And Wars With The Romans.âThe Colchian Or Lazic War.âThe Â®thiopians. Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.âPart II. Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.âPart III. Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.âPart IV. Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death Of Justinian.âPart I. Rebellions Of Africa.âRestoration Of The Gothic Kingdom By Totila.âLoss And Recovery Of Rome.âFinal Conquest Of Italy By Narses.âExtinction Of The Ostrogoths.âDefeat Of The Franks And Alemanni.âLast Victory, Disgrace, And Death Of Belisarius.âDeath And Character Of Justinian.âComet, Earthquakes, And Plague. Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death OF Justinian.âPart II. Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death Of Justinian.âPart III. Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death Of Justinian.âPart IV. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart I. Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âThe Laws Of The KingsâThe Twelve Of The Decemvirs.âThe Laws Of The People.âThe Decrees Of The Senate.âThe Edicts Of The Magistrates And EmperorsâAuthority Of The Civilians.âCode, Pandects, Novels, And Institutes Of Justinian:âI. Rights Of Persons.âII. Rights Of Things.âIII. Private Injuries And Actions.âIV. Crimes And Punishments. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart II. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart III. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart IV. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart V. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart VI. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart VII. Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.âPart VIII. Chapter XLV: State Of Italy Under The Lombards.âPart I. Reign Of The Younger Justin.âEmbassy Of The Avars.âTheir Settlement On The Danube.âConquest Of Italy By The Lombards.âAdoption And Reign Of Tiberius.âOf Maurice.â State Of Italy Under The Lombards And The Exarchs.âOf Ravenna.âDistress Of Rome.âCharacter And Pontificate Of Gregory The First. Chapter XLV: State Of Italy Under The Lombards.âPart II. Chapter XLV: State Of Italy Under The Lombards.âPart III. Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.âPart I. Revolutions On Persia After The Death Of Chosroes On Nushirvan.âHis Son Hormouz, A Tyrant, Is Deposed.â Usurpation Of Baharam.âFlight And Restoration Of Chosroes II.âHis Gratitude To The Romans.âThe Chagan Of The Avars.â Revolt Of The Army Against Maurice.âHis Death.âTyranny Of Phocas.âElevation Of Heraclius.âThe Persian War.âChosroes Subdues Syria, Egypt, And Asia Minor.âSiege Of Constantinople By The Persians And Avars.âPersian Expeditions.âVictories And Triumph Of Heraclius. Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.âPart II. Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.âPart III. Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.âPart IV. Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.âPart I. Theological History Of The Doctrine Of The Incarnation.âThe Human And Divine Nature Of Christ.âEnmity Of The Patriarchs Of Alexandria And Constantinople.âSt. Cyril And Nestorius. âThird General Council Of Ephesus.âHeresy Of Eutyches.â Fourth General Council Of Chalcedon.âCivil And Ecclesiastical Discord.âIntolerance Of Justinian.âThe Three Chapters.âThe Monothelite Controversy.âState Of The Oriental Sects:âI. The Nestorians.âII. The Jacobites.â III. The Maronites.âIV. The Armenians.âV. The Copts And Abyssinians. Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.âPart II. Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.âPart III. Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.âPart IV. Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.âPart V. Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.âPart VI. Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.âPart I. Plan Of The Two Last Volumes.âSuccession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors Of Constantinople, From The Time Of Heraclius To The Latin Conquest. Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.âPart II. Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.âPart III. Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.âPart IV. Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.âPart V. VOLUME FIVE Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.âPart I. Introduction, Worship, And Persecution Of Images.âRevolt Of Italy And Rome.âTemporal Dominion Of The Popes.âConquest Of Italy By The Franks.âEstablishment Of Images.âCharacter And Coronation Of Charlemagne.âRestoration And Decay Of The Roman Empire In The West.âIndependence Of Italy.â Constitution Of The Germanic Body. Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.âPart II. Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.âPart III. Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.âPart IV. Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.âPart V. Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.âPart VI. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart I. Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âBirth, Character, And Doctrine Of Mahomet.âHe Preaches At Mecca.â Flies To Medina.âPropagates His Religion By The Sword.â Voluntary Or Reluctant Submission Of The Arabs.âHis Death And Successors.âThe Claims And Fortunes Of All And His Descendants. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart II. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart III. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart IV. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart V. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart VI. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart VII. Chapter L: Description Of Arabia And Its Inhabitants.âPart VIII. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart I. The Conquest Of Persia, Syria, Egypt, Africa, And Spain, By The Arabs Or Saracens.âEmpire Of The Caliphs, Or Successors Of Mahomet.âState Of The Christians, &c., Under Their Government. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart II. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart III. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart IV. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart V. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart VI. Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.âPart VII. Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.âPart I. The Two Sieges Of Constantinople By The Arabs.âTheir Invasion Of France, And Defeat By Charles Martel.âCivil War Of The Ommiades And Abbassides.âLearning Of The Arabs.â Luxury Of The Caliphs.âNaval Enterprises On Crete, Sicily, And Rome.âDecay And Division Of The Empire Of The Caliphs. âDefeats And Victories Of The Greek Emperors. Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.âPart II. Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.âPart III. Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.âPart IV. Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.âPart V. Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.âPart I. Fate Of The Eastern Empire In The Tenth Century.âExtent And Division.âWealth And Revenue.âPalace Of Constantinople.â Titles And Offices.âPride And Power Of The Emperors.â Tactics Of The Greeks, Arabs, And Franks.âLoss Of The Latin Tongue.âStudies And Solitude Of The Greeks. Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.âPart II. Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.âPart III. Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.âPart IV. Chapter LIV: Origin And Doctrine Of The Paulicians.âPart I. Origin And Doctrine Of The Paulicians.âTheir Persecution By The Greek Emperors.âRevolt In Armenia &c.âTransplantation Into Thrace.âPropagation In The West.âThe Seeds, Character, And Consequences Of The Reformation. Chapter LIV: Origin And Doctrine Of The Paulicians.âPart II. Chapter LV: The Bulgarians, The Hungarians And The Russians.âPart I. The Bulgarians.âOrigin, Migrations, And Settlement Of The Hungarians.âTheir Inroads In The East And West.âThe Monarchy Of Russia.âGeography And Trade.âWars Of The Russians Against The Greek Empire.âConversion Of The Barbarians. Chapter LV: The Bulgarians, The Hungarians And The Russians.âPart II. Chapter LV: The Bulgarians, The Hungarians And The Russians.âPart III. Chapter LVI: The Saracens, The Franks And The Normans.âPart I. The Saracens, Franks, And Greeks, In Italy.âFirst Adventures And Settlement Of The Normans.âCharacter And Conquest Of Robert Guiscard, Duke Of ApuliaâDeliverance Of Sicily By His Brother Roger.âVictories Of Robert Over The Emperors Of The East And West.âRoger, King Of Sicily, Invades Africa And Greece.âThe Emperor Manuel Comnenus.â Wars Of The Greeks And Normans.âExtinction Of The Normans. Chapter LVI: The Saracens, The Franks And The Normans.âPart II. Chapter LVI: The Saracens, The Franks And The Normans.âPart III. Chapter LVI: The Saracens, The Franks And The Normans.âPart IV. Chapter LVI: The Saracens, The Franks And The Normans.âPart V. Chapter LVII: The Turks.âPart I. The Turks Of The House Of Seljuk.âTheir Revolt Against Mahmud Conqueror Of Hindostan.âTogrul Subdues Persia, And Protects The Caliphs.âDefeat And Captivity Of The Emperor Romanus Diogenes By Alp Arslan.âPower And Magnificence Of Malek Shah.âConquest Of Asia Minor And Syria.âState And Oppression Of Jerusalem.âPilgrimages To The Holy Sepulchre. Chapter LVII: The Turks.âPart II. Chapter LVII: The Turks.âPart III. Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.âPart I. Origin And Numbers Of The First Crusade.âCharacters Of The Latin Princes.âTheir March To Constantinople.âPolicy Of The Greek Emperor Alexius.âConquest Of Nice, Antioch, And Jerusalem, By The Franks.âDeliverance Of The Holy Sepulchre.â Godfrey Of Bouillon, First King Of Jerusalem.âInstitutions Of The French Or Latin Kingdom. Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.âPart II. Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.âPart III. Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.âPart IV. Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.âPart V. VOLUME SIX Chapter LIX: The Crusades.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Chapter LX: The Fourth Crusade.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Chapter LXI: Partition Of The Empire By The French And Venetians.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Chapter LXII: Greek Emperors Of Nice And Constantinople.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Chapter LXIII: Civil Wars And The Ruin Of The Greek Empire.âPart I. Part II. Chapter LXIV: Moguls, Ottoman Turks.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Chapter LXV: Elevation Of Timour Or Tamerlane, And His Death.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Chapter LXVI: Union Of The Greek And Latin Churches.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Chapter LXVII: Schism Of The Greeks And Latins.âPart I. Part II. Chapter LXVIII: Reign Of Mahomet The Second, Extinction Of Eastern Empire.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Chapter LXIX: State Of Rome From The Twelfth Century.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Chapter LXX: Final Settlement Of The Ecclesiastical State.âPart I. Part II. Part III. Part IV. Chapter LXXI: Prospect Of The Ruins Of Rome In The Fifteenth Century.âPart I. Part II HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE Edward Gibbon, Esq. With notes by the Rev. H. H. Milman Vol. 1 1782 (Written), 1845 (Revised) Introduction Introduction Preface By The Editor. The great work of Gibbon is indispensable to the student of history. The literature of Europe offers no substitute for âThe Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.â It has obtained undisputed possession, as rightful occupant, of the vast period which it comprehends. However some subjects, which it embraces, may have undergone more complete investigation, on the general view of the whole period, this history is the sole undisputed authority to which all defer, and from which few appeal to the original writers, or to more modern compilers. The inherent interest of the subject, the inexhaustible labor employed upon it; the immense condensation of matter; the luminous arrangement; the general accuracy; the style, which, however monotonous from its uniform stateliness, and sometimes wearisome from its elaborate ar., is throughout vigorous, animated, often picturesque, always commands attention, always conveys its meaning with emphatic energy, describes with singular breadth and fidelity, and generalizes with unrivalled felicity of expression; all these high qualifications have secured, and seem likely to secure, its permanent place in historic literature. This vast design of Gibbon, the magnificent whole into which he has cast the decay and ruin of the ancient civilization, the formation and birth of the new order of things, will of itself, independent of the laborious execution of his immense plan, render âThe Decline and Fall of the Roman Empireâ an unapproachable subject to the future historian: 101 in the eloquent language of his recent French editor, M. Guizot:â 101 (return) [ A considerable portion of this preface has already appeared before us public in the Quarterly Review.] âThe gradual decline of the most extraordinary dominion which has ever invaded and oppressed the world; the fall of that immense empire, erected on the ruins of so many kingdoms, republics, and states both barbarous and civilized; and forming in its turn, by its dismemberment, a multitude of states, republics, and kingdoms; the annihilation of the religion of Greece and Rome; the birth and the progress of the two new religions which have shared the most beautiful regions of the earth; the decrepitude of the ancient world, the spectacle of its expiring glory and degenerate manners; the infancy of the modern world, the picture of its first progress, of the new direction given to the mind and character of manâsuch a subject must necessarily fix the attention and excite the interest of men, who cannot behold with indifference those memorable epochs, during which, in the fine language of Corneilleâ âUn grand destin commence, un grand destin sâachÃ¨ve.ââ This extent and harmony of design is unquestionably that which distinguishes the work of Gibbon from all other great historical compositions. He has first bridged the abyss between ancient and modern times, and connected together the two great worlds of history. The great advantage which the classical historians possess over those of modern times is in unity of plan, of course greatly facilitated by the narrower sphere to which their researches were confined. Except Herodotus, the great historians of Greeceâwe exclude the more modern compilers, like Diodorus Siculusâlimited themselves to a single period, or at âeast to the contracted sphere of Grecian affairs. As far as the Barbarians trespassed within the Grecian boundary, or were necessarily mingled up with Grecian politics, they were admitted into the pale of Grecian history; but to Thucydides and to Xenophon, excepting in the Persian inroad of the latter, Greece was the world. Natural unity confined their narrative almost to chronological order, the episodes were of rare occurrence and extremely brief. To the Roman historians the course was equally clear and defined. Rome was their centre of unity; and the uniformity with which the circle of the Roman dominion spread around, the regularity with which their civil polity expanded, forced, as it were, upon the Roman historian that plan which Polybius announces as the subject of his history, the means and the manner by which the whole world became subject to the Roman sway. How different the complicated politics of the European kingdoms! Every national history, to be complete, must, in a certain sense, be the history of Europe; there is no knowing to how remote a quarter it may be necessary to trace our most domestic events; from a country, how apparently disconnected, may originate the impulse which gives its direction to the whole course of affairs. In imitation of his classical models, Gibbon places _Rome_ as the cardinal point from which his inquiries diverge, and to which they bear constant reference; yet how immeasurable the space over which those inquiries range! how complicated, how confused, how apparently inextricable the causes which tend to the decline of the Roman empire! how countless the nations which swarm forth, in mingling and indistinct hordes, constantly changing the geographical limitsâincessantly confounding the natural boundaries! At first sight, the whole period, the whole state of the world, seems to offer no more secure footing to an historical adventurer than the chaos of Miltonâto be in a state of irreclaimable disorder, best described in the language of the poet:â ââA dark Illimitable ocean, without bound, Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height, And time, and place, are lost: where eldest Night And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise Of endless wars, and by confusion stand.â We feel that the unity and harmony of narrative, which shall comprehend this period of social disorganization, must be ascribed entirely to the skill and luminous disposition of the historian. It is in this sublime Gothic architecture of his work, in which the boundless range, the infinite variety, the, at first sight, incongruous gorgeousness of the separate parts, nevertheless are all subordinate to one main and predominant idea, that Gibbon is unrivalled. We cannot but admire the manner in which he masses his materials, and arranges his facts in successive groups, not according to chronological order, but to their moral or political connection; the distinctness with which he marks his periods of gradually increasing decay; and the skill with which, though advancing on separate parallels of history, he shows the common tendency of the slower or more rapid religious or civil innovations. However these principles of composition may demand more than ordinary attention on the part of the reader, they can alone impress upon the memory the real course, and the relative importance of the events. Whoever would justly appreciate the superiority of Gibbonâs lucid arrangement, should attempt to make his way through the regular but wearisome annals of Tillemont, or even the less ponderous volumes of Le Beau. Both these writers adhere, almost entirely, to chronological order; the consequence is, that we are twenty times called upon to break off, and resume the thread of six or eight wars in different parts of the empire; to suspend the operations of a military expedition for a court intrigue; to hurry away from a siege to a council; and the same page places us in the middle of a campaign against the barbarians, and in the depths of the Monophysite controversy. In Gibbon it is not always easy to bear in mind the exact dates but the course of events is ever clear and distinct; like a skilful general, though his troops advance from the most remote and opposite quarters, they are constantly bearing down and concentrating themselves on one pointâthat which is still occupied by the name, and by the waning power of Rome. Whether he traces the progress of hostile religions, or leads from the shores of the Baltic, or the verge of the Chinese empire, the successive hosts of barbariansâthough one wave has hardly burst and discharged itself, before another swells up and approachesâall is made to flow in the same direction, and the impression which each makes upon the tottering fabric of the Roman greatness, connects their distant movements, and measures the relative importance assigned to them in the panoramic history. The more peaceful and didactic episodes on the development of the Roman law, or even on the details of ecclesiastical history, interpose themselves as resting-places or divisions between the periods of barbaric invasion. In short, though distracted first by the two capitals, and afterwards by the formal partition of the empire, the extraordinary felicity of arrangement maintains an order and a regular progression. As our horizon expands to reveal to us the gathering tempests which are forming far beyond the boundaries of the civilized worldâas we follow their successive approach to the trembling frontierâthe compressed and receding line is still distinctly visible; though gradually dismembered and the broken fragments assuming the form of regular states and kingdoms, the real relation of those kingdoms to the empire is maintained and defined; and even when the Roman dominion has shrunk into little more than the province of Thraceâwhen the name of Rome, confined, in Italy, to the walls of the cityâyet it is still the memory, the shade of the Roman greatness, which extends over the wide sphere into which the historian expands his later narrative; the whole blends into the unity, and is manifestly essential to the double catastrophe of his tragic drama. But the amplitude, the magnificence, or the harmony of design, are, though imposing, yet unworthy claims on our admiration, unless the details are filled up with correctness and accuracy. No writer has been more severely tried on this point than Gibbon. He has undergone the triple scrutiny of theological zeal quickened by just resentment, of literary emulation, and of that mean and invidious vanity which delights in detecting errors in writers of established fame. On the result of the trial, we may be permitted to summon competent witnesses before we deliver our own judgment. M. Guizot, in his preface, after stating that in France and Germany, as well as in England, in the most enlightened countries of Europe, Gibbon is constantly cited as an authority, thus proceeds:â âI have had occasion, during my labors, to consult the writings of philosophers, who have treated on the finances of the Roman empire; of scholars, who have investigated the chronology; of theologians, who have searched the depths of ecclesiastical history; of writers on law, who have studied with care the Roman jurisprudence; of Orientalists, who have occupied themselves with the Arabians and the Koran; of modern historians, who have entered upon extensive researches touching the crusades and their influence; each of these writers has remarked and pointed out, in the âHistory of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,â some negligences, some false or imperfect views, some omissions, which it is impossible not to suppose voluntary; they have rectified some facts, combated with advantage some assertions; but in general they have taken the researches and the ideas of Gibbon, as points of departure, or as proofs of the researches or of the new opinions which they have advanced.â M. Guizot goes on to state his own impressions on reading Gibbonâs history, and no authority will have greater weight with those to whom the extent and accuracy of his historical researches are known:â âAfter a first rapid perusal, which allowed me to feel nothing but the interest of a narrative, always animated, and, notwithstanding its extent and the variety of objects which it makes to pass before the view, always perspicuous, I entered upon a minute examination of the details of which it was composed; and the opinion which I then formed was, I confess, singularly severe. I discovered, in certain chapters, errors which appeared to me sufficiently important and numerous to make me believe that they had been written with extreme negligence; in others, I was struck with a certain tinge of partiality and prejudice, which imparted to the exposition of the facts that want of truth and justice, which the English express by their happy term _misrepresentation_. Some imperfect (_tronquÃ©es_) quotations; some passages, omitted unintentionally or designedly cast a suspicion on the honesty (_bonne foi_) of the author; and his violation of the first law of historyâincreased to my eye by the prolonged attention with which I occupied myself with every phrase, every note, every reflectionâcaused me to form upon the whole work, a judgment far too rigorous. After having finished my labors, I allowed some time to elapse before I reviewed the whole. A second attentive and regular perusal of the entire work, of the notes of the author, and of those which I had thought it right to subjoin, showed me how much I had exaggerated the importance of the reproaches which Gibbon really deserved; I was struck with the same errors, the same partiality on certain subjects; but I had been far from doing adequate justice to the immensity of his researches, the variety of his knowledge, and above all, to that truly philosophical discrimination (_justesse dâesprit_) which judges the past as it would judge the present; which does not permit itself to be blinded by the clouds which time gathers around the dead, and which prevent us from seeing that, under the toga, as under the modern dress, in the senate as in our councils, men were what they still are, and that events took place eighteen centuries ago, as they take place in our days. I then felt that his book, in spite of its faults, will always be a noble workâand that we may correct his errors and combat his prejudices, without ceasing to admit that few men have combined, if we are not to say in so high a degree, at least in a manner so complete, and so well regulated, the necessary qualifications for a writer of history.â The present editor has followed the track of Gibbon through many parts of his work; he has read his authorities with constant reference to his pages, and must pronounce his deliberate judgment, in terms of the highest admiration as to his general accuracy. Many of his seeming errors are almost inevitable from the close condensation of his matter. From the immense range of his history, it was sometimes necessary to compress into a single sentence, a whole vague and diffuse page of a Byzantine chronicler. Perhaps something of importance may have thus escaped, and his expressions may not quite contain the whole substance of the passage from which they are taken. His limits, at times, compel him to sketch; where that is the case, it is not fair to expect the full details of the finished picture. At times he can only deal with important results; and in his account of a war, it sometimes requires great attention to discover that the events which seem to be comprehended in a single campaign, occupy several years. But this admirable skill in selecting and giving prominence to the points which are of real weight and importanceâthis distribution of light and shadeâthough perhaps it may occasionally betray him into vague and imperfect statements, is one of the highest excellencies of Gibbonâs historic manner. It is the more striking, when we pass from the works of his chief authorities, where, after laboring through long, minute, and wearisome descriptions of the accessary and subordinate circumstances, a single unmarked and undistinguished sentence, which we may overlook from the inattention of fatigue, contains the great moral and political result. Gibbonâs method of arrangement, though on the whole most favorable to the clear comprehension of the events, leads likewise to apparent inaccuracy. That which we expect to find in one part is reserved for another. The estimate which we are to form, depends on the accurate balance of statements in remote parts of the work; and we have sometimes to correct and modify opinions, formed from one chapter by those of another. Yet, on the other hand, it is astonishing how rarely we detect contradiction; the mind of the author has already harmonized the whole result to truth and probability; the general impression is almost invariably the same. The quotations of Gibbon have likewise been called in question;âI have, _in general_, been more inclined to admire their exactitude, than to complain of their indistinctness, or incompleteness. Where they are imperfect, it is commonly from the study of brevity, and rather from the desire of compressing the substance of his notes into pointed and emphatic sentences, than from dishonesty, or uncandid suppression of truth. These observations apply more particularly to the accuracy and fidelity of the historian as to his facts; his inferences, of course, are more liable to exception. It is almost impossible to trace the line between unfairness and unfaithfulness; between intentional misrepresentation and undesigned false coloring. The relative magnitude and importance of events must, in some respect, depend upon the mind before which they are presented; the estimate of character, on the habits and feelings of the reader. Christians, like M. Guizot and ourselves, will see some things, and some persons, in a different light from the historian of the Decline and Fall. We may deplore the bias of his mind; we may ourselves be on our guard against the danger of being misled, and be anxious to warn less wary readers against the same perils; but we must not confound this secret and unconscious departure from truth, with the deliberate violation of that veracity which is the only title of an historian to our confidence. Gibbon, it may be fearlessly asserted, is rarely chargeable even with the suppression of any material fact, which bears upon individual character; he may, with apparently invidious hostility, enhance the errors and crimes, and disparage the virtues of certain persons; yet, in general, he leaves us the materials for forming a fairer judgment; and if he is not exempt from his own prejudices, perhaps we might write _passions_, yet it must be candidly acknowledged, that his philosophical bigotry is not more unjust than the theological partialities of those ecclesiastical writers who were before in undisputed possession of this province of history. We are thus naturally led to that great misrepresentation which pervades his historyâhis false estimate of the nature and influence of Christianity. But on this subject some preliminary caution is necessary, lest that should be expected from a new edition, which it is impossible that it should completely accomplish. We must first be prepared with the only sound preservative against the false impression likely to be produced by the perusal of Gibbon; and we must see clearly the real cause of that false impression. The former of these cautions will be briefly suggested in its proper place, but it may be as well to state it, here, somewhat more at length. The art of Gibbon, or at least the unfair impression produced by his two memorable chapters, consists in his confounding together, in one indistinguishable mass, the _origin_ and _apostolic_ propagation of the new religion, with its _later_ progress. No argument for the divine authority of Christianity has been urged with greater force, or traced with higher eloquence, than that deduced from its primary development, explicable on no other hypothesis than a heavenly origin, and from its rapid extension through great part of the Roman empire. But this argumentâone, when confined within reasonable limits, of unanswerable forceâbecomes more feeble and disputable in proportion as it recedes from the birthplace, as it were, of the religion. The further Christianity advanced, the more causes purely human were enlisted in its favor; nor can it be doubted that those developed with such artful exclusiveness by Gibbon did concur most essentially to its establishment. It is in the Christian dispensation, as in the material world. In both it is as the great First Cause, that the Deity is most undeniably manifest. When once launched in regular motion upon the bosom of space, and endowed with all their properties and relations of weight and mutual attraction, the heavenly bodies appear to pursue their courses according to secondary laws, which account for all their sublime regularity. So Christianity proclaims its Divine Author chiefly in its first origin and development. When it had once received its impulse from aboveâwhen it had once been infused into the minds of its first teachersâwhen it had gained full possession of the reason and affections of the favored fewâit _might be_âand to the Protestant, the rationa Christian, it is impossible to define _when_ it really _was_âleft to make its way by its native force, under the ordinary secret agencies of all-ruling Providence. The main question, the _divine origin of the religion_, was dexterously eluded, or speciously conceded by Gibbon; his plan enabled him to commence his account, in most parts, _below the apostolic times;_ and it was only by the strength of the dark coloring with which he brought out the failings and the follies of the succeeding ages, that a shadow of doubt and suspicion was thrown back upon the primitive period of Christianity. âThe theologian,â says Gibbon, âmay indulge the pleasing task of describing religion as she descended from heaven, arrayed in her native purity; a more melancholy duty is imposed upon the historian:âhe must discover the inevitable mixture of error and corruption which she contracted in a long residence upon earth among a weak and degenerate race of beings.â Divest this passage of the latent sarcasm betrayed by the subsequent tone of the whole disquisition, and it might commence a Christian history written in the most Christian spirit of candor. But as the historian, by seeming to respect, yet by dexterously confounding the limits of the sacred land, contrived to insinuate that it was an Utopia which had no existence but in the imagination of the theologianâas he _suggested_ rather than affirmed that the days of Christian purity were a kind of poetic golden age;âso the theologian, by venturing too far into the domain of the historian, has been
{'title': 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}