The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Gibbon, Volume I
Volume I: The Antonines to the progress of Christianity — the empire at its height, and the first cracks. Read with Gibbon's own footnotes and Milman's corrections of them beside the text.
Edition: Edward Gibbon · Project Gutenberg #731 (Milman edition) — public domain
Voices: Chapter I · The Extent Of The Empire In The Age Of The Antonines · Chapter II · The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines · Chapter III · The Constitution In The Age Of The Antonines · Chapter IV · The Cruelty, Follies And Murder Of Commodus · Chapter V · Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus · Chapter VI · Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Marcinus · Chapter VII · Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin · Chapter VIII · State Of Persia And Restoration Of The Monarchy · Chapter IX · State Of Germany Until The Barbarians · Chapter X · Emperors Decius, Gallus, Æmilianus, Valerian And Gallienus · Chapter XI · Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths · Chapter XII · Reigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus And His Sons · Chapter XIII · Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates · Chapter XIV · Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire · Chapter XV · Progress Of The Christian Religion
In the second century of the Christian Æra, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valor. The gentle but powerful influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the provinces. Their peaceful inhabitants enjoyed and abused the advantages of wealth and luxury. The image of a free constitution was preserved with decent reverence: the Roman senate appeared to possess the sovereign authority, and devolved on the emperors all…
The principal conquests of the Romans were achieved under the republic; and the emperors, for the most part, were satisfied with preserving those dominions which had been acquired by the policy of the senate, the active emulations of the consuls, and the martial enthusiasm of the people. The seven first centuries were filled with a rapid succession of triumphs; but it was reserved for Augustus to relinquish the ambitious design of subduing the whole earth, and to introduce a spirit of moderation into the public councils. Inclined to peace by his temper and situation, it was easy for him to…Read it in the reading room ›