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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

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Public Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus By The Prætorian Guards—Clodius Albinus In Britain, Pescennius Niger In Syria, And Septimius Severus In Pannonia, Declare Against The Murderers Of Pertinax—Civil Wars And Victory Of Severus Over His Three Rivals—Relaxation Of Discipline—New Maxims Of Government.…

Details

  • AuthorEdward Gibbon
  • SourceProject Gutenberg #25717
  • Length1,603,874 words · 106h 55m of reading
  • Chapters246
  • DictionaryIncluded
  • CopyrightPublic domain in the United States
  • Source checked2026-08-28

Contents

246 chapters

Recovered from the original source text, so you can open the book at any of them.

  1. 01With notes by the Rev. H. H. Milman
  2. 02Chapter V: Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus.—Part I.
  3. 03Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Macrinus.—Part I.
  4. 04Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.—Part I.
  5. 05Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.—Part III.
  6. 06Chapter IX: State Of Germany Until The Barbarians.—Part I.
  7. 07Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Æmilianus, Valerian And Gallienus—Part I.
  8. 08Chapter XI: Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths.—Part I.
  9. 09Chapter XI: Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths.—Part II.
  10. 10Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.—Part I.
  11. 11Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part I.
  12. 12Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part I.
  13. 13Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part I.
  14. 14Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part VI.
  15. 15Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.—Part I.
  16. 16Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.—Part I.
  17. 17Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.—Part IV.
  18. 18Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.—Part I.
  19. 19Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.—Part I.
  20. 20Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.—Part I.
  21. 21Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part I.
  22. 22Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.—Part I.
  23. 23Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.—Part I.
  24. 24Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.—Part I.
  25. 25Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.—Part III.
  26. 26Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.—Part I.
  27. 27Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part I.
  28. 28Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part VII.
  29. 29Chapter XXXIII: Conquest Of Africa By The Vandals.—Part I.
  30. 30Chapter XXXIV: Attila.—Part I.
  31. 31Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.—Part I.
  32. 32Chapter XXXIX: Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.—Part I.
  33. 33Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.—Part I.
  34. 34Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.—Part V.
  35. 35Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.—Part I.
  36. 36Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death Of Justinian.—Part I.
  37. 37Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part I.
  38. 38Chapter XLV: State Of Italy Under The Lombards.—Part I.
  39. 39Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.—Part I.
  40. 40Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.—Part I.
  41. 41Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.—Part IV.
  42. 42Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part I.
  43. 43Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part VI.
  44. 44Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part I.
  45. 45Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.—Part I.
  46. 46Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.—Part I.
  47. 47Chapter LIV: Origin And Doctrine Of The Paulicians.—Part I.
  48. 48Chapter LIV: Origin And Doctrine Of The Paulicians.—Part II.
  49. 49Chapter LVII: The Turks.—Part I.
  50. 50Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.—Part I.
  51. 51Introduction
  52. 52Chapter I: The Extent Of The Empire In The Age Of The Antonines.—Part II.
  53. 53Chapter I: The Extent Of The Empire In The Age Of The Antonines.—Part III.
  54. 54Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines.—Part II.
  55. 55Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines.—Part III.
  56. 56Chapter II: The Internal Prosperity In The Age Of The Antonines. Part IV.
  57. 57Chapter III: The Constitution In The Age Of The Antonines.—Part II.
  58. 58Chapter V: Sale Of The Empire To Didius Julianus.—Part II.
  59. 59Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Marcinus.—Part II.
  60. 60Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Marcinus.—Part III.
  61. 61Chapter VI: Death Of Severus, Tyranny Of Caracalla, Usurpation Of Marcinus.—Part IV.
  62. 62Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.—Part II.
  63. 63Chapter VII: Tyranny Of Maximin, Rebellion, Civil Wars, Death Of Maximin.—Part III.
  64. 64Chapter VIII: State Of Persia And Restoration Of The Monarchy.—Part II.
  65. 65Chapter IX: State Of Germany Until The Barbarians.—Part II.
  66. 66Chapter IX: State Of Germany Until The Barbarians.—Part III.
  67. 67Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Æmilianus, Valerian And Gallienus.—Part II.
  68. 68Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Æmilianus, Valerian And Gallienus.—Part III.
  69. 69Chapter X: Emperors Decius, Gallus, Æmilianus, Valerian And Gallienus.—Part IV.
  70. 70Chapter XI: Reign Of Claudius, Defeat Of The Goths.—Part II.
  71. 71Chapter XII: Reigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus And His Sons.—Part II.
  72. 72Chapter XII: Reigns Of Tacitus, Probus, Carus And His Sons.—Part III.
  73. 73Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.—Part II.
  74. 74Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.—Part III.
  75. 75Chapter XIII: Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates.—Part IV.
  76. 76Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.—Part II.
  77. 77Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.—Part III.
  78. 78Chapter XIV: Six Emperors At The Same Time, Reunion Of The Empire.—Part IV.
  79. 79Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part II.
  80. 80Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part III.
  81. 81Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part IV.
  82. 82Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part V.
  83. 83Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part VI.
  84. 84Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part VII
  85. 85Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part VIII.
  86. 86Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion.—Part IX.
  87. 87Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part II.
  88. 88Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part III.
  89. 89Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part IV.
  90. 90Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part V.
  91. 91Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part VI.
  92. 92Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part VII.
  93. 93Chapter XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To Constantine.—Part VIII.
  94. 94Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part II.
  95. 95Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part III.
  96. 96Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part IV.
  97. 97Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part V.
  98. 98Chapter XVII: Foundation Of Constantinople.—Part VI.
  99. 99Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.—Part II.
  100. 100Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.—Part III.
  101. 101Chapter XIX: Constantius Sole Emperor.—Part IV.
  102. 102Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.—Part II.
  103. 103Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.—Part III.
  104. 104Chapter XX: Conversion Of Constantine.—Part IV.
  105. 105Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.—Part III.
  106. 106Chapter XXI: Persecution Of Heresy, State Of The Church.—Part VII.
  107. 107Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.—Part II.
  108. 108Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.—Part III.
  109. 109Chapter XXII: Julian Declared Emperor.—Part IV.
  110. 110Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.—Part II.
  111. 111Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.—Part III.
  112. 112Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.—Part IV.
  113. 113Chapter XXIII: Reign Of Julian.—Part V.
  114. 114Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.—Part II.
  115. 115Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.—Part III.
  116. 116Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.—Part IV.
  117. 117Chapter XXIV: The Retreat And Death Of Julian.—Part V.
  118. 118Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part II.
  119. 119Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part III.
  120. 120Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part IV.
  121. 121Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part V.
  122. 122Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part VI.
  123. 123Chapter XXV: Reigns Of Jovian And Valentinian, Division Of The Empire.—Part VII.
  124. 124Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.—Part II.
  125. 125Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.—Part III.
  126. 126Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.—Part IV.
  127. 127Chapter XXVI: Progress of The Huns.—Part V.
  128. 128Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.—Part II.
  129. 129Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.—Part III.
  130. 130Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.—Part IV.
  131. 131Chapter XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius.—Part V.
  132. 132Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.—Part II.
  133. 133Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.—Part III.
  134. 134Cedere grandaevos equitum peditumque magistros
  135. 135Chapter XXIX: Division Of Roman Empire Between Sons Of Theodosius.—Part II.
  136. 136Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.—Part II.
  137. 137Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.—Part III.
  138. 138Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.—Part IV.
  139. 139Chapter XXX: Revolt Of The Goths.—Part V.
  140. 140Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part II.
  141. 141Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part III.
  142. 142Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part IV.
  143. 143Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part V.
  144. 144Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part VI.
  145. 145Chapter XXXI: Invasion Of Italy, Occupation Of Territories By Barbarians.—Part VII.
  146. 146Chapter XXXIII: Conquest Of Africa By The Vandals.—Part II.
  147. 147Chapter XXXIV: Attila.—Part II.
  148. 148Chapter XXXIV: Attila.—Part III.
  149. 149Chapter XXXV: Invasion By Attila.—Part I.
  150. 150Chapter XXXV: Invasion By Attila.—Part II.
  151. 151Chapter XXXV: Invasion By Attila.—Part III.
  152. 152Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.—Part II.
  153. 153Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.—Part III.
  154. 154Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.—Part IV.
  155. 155Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.—Part V.
  156. 156Chapter XXXVIII: Reign Of Clovis.—Part VI.
  157. 157Chapter XXXIX: Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.—Part II.
  158. 158Chapter XXXIX: Gothic Kingdom Of Italy.—Part III.
  159. 159Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.—Part II.
  160. 160Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.—Part III.
  161. 161Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.—Part IV.
  162. 162Chapter XL: Reign Of Justinian.—Part V.
  163. 163Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.—Part II.
  164. 164Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.—Part III.
  165. 165Chapter XLII: State Of The Barbaric World.—Part IV.
  166. 166Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death OF Justinian.—Part II.
  167. 167Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death Of Justinian.—Part III.
  168. 168Chapter XLIII: Last Victory And Death Of Belisarius, Death Of Justinian.—Part IV.
  169. 169Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part II.
  170. 170Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part III.
  171. 171Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part IV.
  172. 172Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part V.
  173. 173Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part VI.
  174. 174Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part VII.
  175. 175Chapter XLIV: Idea Of The Roman Jurisprudence.—Part VIII.
  176. 176Chapter XLV: State Of Italy Under The Lombards.—Part II.
  177. 177Chapter XLV: State Of Italy Under The Lombards.—Part III.
  178. 178Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.—Part II.
  179. 179Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.—Part III.
  180. 180Chapter XLVI: Troubles In Persia.—Part IV.
  181. 181Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.—Part II.
  182. 182Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.—Part III.
  183. 183Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.—Part IV.
  184. 184Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.—Part V.
  185. 185Chapter XLVII: Ecclesiastical Discord.—Part VI.
  186. 186Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.—Part II.
  187. 187Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.—Part III.
  188. 188Chapter XLVIII: Succession And Characters Of The Greek Emperors.—Part IV.
  189. 189Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part II.
  190. 190Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part III.
  191. 191Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part IV.
  192. 192Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part V.
  193. 193Chapter XLIX: Conquest Of Italy By The Franks.—Part VI.
  194. 194Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part II.
  195. 195Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part III.
  196. 196Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part IV.
  197. 197Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part V.
  198. 198Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part VI.
  199. 199Chapter LI: Conquests By The Arabs.—Part VII.
  200. 200Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.—Part II.
  201. 201Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.—Part III.
  202. 202Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.—Part IV.
  203. 203Chapter LII: More Conquests By The Arabs.—Part V.
  204. 204Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.—Part II.
  205. 205Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.—Part III.
  206. 206Chapter LIII: Fate Of The Eastern Empire.—Part IV.
  207. 207Chapter LIV: Origin And Doctrine Of The Paulicians.—Part II.
  208. 208Chapter LV: The Bulgarians, The Hungarians And The Russians.—Part II.
  209. 209Chapter LV: The Bulgarians, The Hungarians And The Russians.—Part III.
  210. 210Chapter LVII: The Turks.—Part II.
  211. 211Chapter LVII: The Turks.—Part III.
  212. 212Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.—Part II.
  213. 213Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.—Part III.
  214. 214Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.—Part IV.
  215. 215Chapter LVIII: The First Crusade.—Part V.
  216. 216Chapter LIX: The Crusades.—Part I.
  217. 217Chapter LIX: The Crusades.—Part II.
  218. 218Chapter LIX: The Crusades.—Part III.
  219. 219Chapter LX: The Fourth Crusade.—Part I.
  220. 220Chapter LX: The Fourth Crusade.—Part II.
  221. 221Chapter LX: The Fourth Crusade.—Part III.
  222. 222Chapter LXI: Partition Of The Empire By The French And Venetians.—Part I.
  223. 223Chapter LXI: Partition Of The Empire By The French And Venetians.—Part II.
  224. 224Chapter LXI: Partition Of The Empire By The French And Venetians.—Part III.
  225. 225Chapter LXI: Partition Of The Empire By The French And Venetians.—Part IV.
  226. 226Chapter LXII: Greek Emperors Of Nice And Constantinople.—Part III.
  227. 227Chapter LXIII: Civil Wars And The Ruin Of The Greek Empire.—Part II.
  228. 228Chapter LXIV: Moguls, Ottoman Turks.—Part I.
  229. 229Chapter LXIV: Moguls, Ottoman Turks.—Part II.
  230. 230Chapter LXIV: Moguls, Ottoman Turks.—Part III.
  231. 231Chapter LXIV: Moguls, Ottoman Turks.—Part IV.
  232. 232Chapter LXV: Elevation Of Timour Or Tamerlane, And His Death.—Part I.
  233. 233Chapter LXV: Elevation Of Timour Or Tamerlane, And His Death.—Part II.
  234. 234Chapter LXV: Elevation Of Timour Or Tamerlane, And His Death.—Part III.
  235. 235Chapter LXVI: Union Of The Greek And Latin Churches.—Part I.
  236. 236Chapter LXVII: Schism Of The Greeks And Latins.—Part I.
  237. 237Chapter LXVII: Schism Of The Greeks And Latins.—Part II.
  238. 238Chapter LXVIII: Reign Of Mahomet The Second, Extinction Of Eastern Empire.—Part I.
  239. 239Chapter LXVIII: Reign Of Mahomet The Second, Extinction Of Eastern Empire.—Part II.
  240. 240Chapter LXVIII: Reign Of Mahomet The Second, Extinction Of Eastern Empire.—Part III.
  241. 241Chapter LXVIII: Reign Of Mahomet The Second, Extinction Of Eastern Empire.—Part IV.
  242. 242Chapter LXX: Final Settlement Of The Ecclesiastical State.—Part II.
  243. 243Chapter LXX: Final Settlement Of The Ecclesiastical State.—Part III.
  244. 244Chapter LXX: Final Settlement Of The Ecclesiastical State.—Part IV.
  245. 245Chapter LXXI: Prospect Of The Ruins Of Rome In The Fifteenth Century.—Part I.
  246. 246Chapter LXXI: Prospect Of The Ruins Of Rome In The Fifteenth Century.—Part II

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