The original edition was published between 1776 and 1789 in six volumes by the firm of [William]
Strahan & [Thomas]
Cadell, in the
Strand, London.[1]
Volume I has a complex history of its own. It was published in six editions between 1776 and 1789. Three of the six contain authorial revisions, marked AR:
First editions, 1776 Feb 17 (a and b-AR), 1000 copies;
Second edition, 1776 June 3; 1500 copies;
Third edition, 1777 May (AR); 1000 copies;
Fourth edition, 1781 Apr 4 (AR);
Fifth editions, 1782 Apr 11 (a and b);
Sixth edition, 1789 Dec 1.
Volumes II, III were published together in three editions between 1781 and 1789:
First editions, 1781 Mar 1 (a and b; b sometimes called the second edition);
Second edition, 1787 (n/a);
Third edition, 1789 Dec 1. published with the sixth edition of volume one as a new set.
Volumes IV, V, VI were published together in one edition only: 1788 May 8; 3000 copies each.
A one-volume edition with an "introductory memoir of the author" by William Youngman was published by J.O. Robinson (London, 1830).
The 1838–1839 Rev. H.H. (Dean) Milman edition, the first English critical edition, was published in 12 volumes. A second Milman edition, which serves as the basis for most electronic and public domain versions such as the
Gutenberg one, was published in 1846 in 6 volumes.[2]
The original
J.B. Bury edition (1896–1900) was 7 volumes.[3][4]
The 1910
Everyman's Library edition in 6 volumes was prepared by
Oliphant Smeaton. This was reprinted in the US with Smeaton's notes in two volumes by
Modern Library in 1932, later divided into three volumes,[5] and the text without his notes was reprinted as volumes 40 and 41 of the Great Books of the Western World series in 1952.
The 1946 Heritage Press edition of Bury's is three volumes. It divides the chapters into Volume 1: 1–26, Volume 2: 27–48, Volume 3: 49–71.
The latest complete edition in 3 volumes was edited by David Womersley, and published by Allen Lane (London) and Penguin Press (New York) in 1994.
The Cruelty, Follies, and Murder of
Commodus – Election of
Pertinax – His Attempts to Reform the State – His Assassination by the
Praetorian Guards – Indignation
The Death of Severus – Tyranny of
Caracalla – Usurpation of
Macrinus – Follies of
Elagabalus – Virtues of
Alexander Severus – Licentiousness of the Army – General State of the Roman Finances –
Tax & Tribute
The Elevation, and Tyranny, of
Maximinus – Rebellion in
Africa and
Italy, under the Authority of the
Senate – Civil Wars and Seditions – Violent Deaths of Maximin and his Son, of
Maximus and
Balbinus, and of the three Gordians – Usurpation and secular Games of Philip
Of the State of
Persia after the Restoration of the Monarchy by
Artaxerxes – His Character and Maxims
The State of
Germany till the Invasion of the
Barbarians, in the time of the Emperor
Decius – 248 AD.
Conduct of the Army and Senate after the Death of Aurelian – Reigns of
Tacitus,
Probus,
Carus and his Sons
The Reign of
Diocletian and his Three Associates,
Maximian,
Galerius, and
Constantius – General Re-establishment of Order and Tranquility –
The Persian War, Victory, and Triumph – The new Form of Administration – The
Abdication and Retirement of Diocletian and Maximian
Troubles after the Abdication of Diocletian – Death of
Constantius – Elevation of
Constantine and
Maxentius – Six Emperors at the same Time – Death of Maximian and Galerius – Victories of Constantine over Maxentius and
Licinius – Reunion of the Empire under the Authority of Constantine – His Laws – General Peace
The Progress of the
Christian Religion, and the Sentiments, Manners, Numbers, and Condition of the Primitive Christians – Ceremonies, Arts, and Festivals
The Conduct of the Roman Government towards the Christians, from Reign of
Nero to that of Constantine – Persecution of
Jews & Christians by
Domitian
Foundation of
Constantinople – Political System of Constantine, and his Successors – Military Discipline – The Palace – Finances – General Tribute – Free Gifts
Character of Constantine – Gothic War – Death of Constantine – Division of the Empire among his three sons – Persian War – Tragic Deaths of
Constantine the Younger and
Constans – Usurpation of
Magnentius – Civil War – Victory of
Constantius II
Constantius sole Emperor – Elevation and Death of
Gallus – Danger and Elevation of
Julian –
Sarmatian and Persian Wars – Victories of Julian in Gaul –
Paris
The Motives, Progress, and Effects of the Conversion of Constantine – Legal Establishment and Constitution of the Christian or
Catholic Church – The
Clergy
Persecution of
Heresy – The Schism of the
Donatists – The
Arian Controversy –
Athanasius – Distracted State of the Church and Empire under Constantine and his Sons
Julian is declared Emperor by the
Legions of
Gaul – His March and Success – The Death of Constantius – Civil Administration of Julian – His Fine Character
The Religion of
Julian – Universal Toleration – He Attempts to Restore and Reform the
Pagan Worship; To Rebuild the
Temple of Jerusalem – His Artful Persecution of the Christians – Mutual Zeal and Injustice
Residence of Julian at
Antioch – His Successful Expedition Against the
Persians – Passage of the
Tigris – The Retreat and Death of Julian – Election of
Jovian – He Saves the Roman army by a Disgraceful Peace Treaty
The Government and Death of Jovian – Election of
Valentinian I, who Associates his Brother
Valens, and Makes the Final Division of the
Eastern and Western Empires – Revolt of
Procopius – Civil and Ecclesiastical Administration –
Germany –
Britain –
Africa – the East – the
Danube – Death of Valentinian – His Two Sons,
Gratian and
Valentinian II, Succeeded to the Western Empire – The Eastern Emperor is Without Influence
Manners of the Pastoral Nations – Progress of the
Huns – Flight of the Goths – They Pass the Danube – Gothic War – Defeat and Death of Valens – Gratian Invests
Theodosius I with the Eastern Empire – His Character and Success – Peace and Settlement of the Goths
Death of Gratian – Ruin of Arianism –
St. Ambrose – First Civil War, against Maximus – Character, Administration, and Penance of Theodosius – Death of Valentinian II. – Second Civil War, against
Eugenius – Death of
Theodosius – Corruption of Times – Infantry Disarm
Final Destruction of Paganism – Introduction of the Worship of
Saints and
Relics among the Christians
Final Division of the Roman Empire between the Sons of Theodosius – Reign of
Arcadius and
Honorius – Administration of
Rufinus and
Stilicho – Revolt and Defeat of
Gildo in Africa – Condemnation by the Senate
Revolt of the Goths – They Plunder
Greece – Two Great Invasions of Italy by
Alaric and
Radagaisus – They are Repulsed by Stilicho – The Germans Overrun Gaul – Usurpation of Constantine in the West – Disgrace and Death of Stilicho – His Memory Persecuted –
Claudian
Invasion of Italy by Alaric – Manners of the Roman Senate and People – Rome is Thrice
Besieged and at Length Pillaged by the
Goths – Death of Alaric – The Goths Evacuate Italy – Fall of Constantine –
Gaul and Spain Occupied by the Barbarians –
Freedom of Britain
The Character, Conquests, and Court of
Attila, King of the Huns – Death of Theodosius the Younger – Elevation of
Marcian by Pulcheria to the Empire of the East
Invasion of Gaul by Attila – He is repulsed by Aetius and the
Visigoths – Attila Invades and Evacuates Italy – The Deaths of Attila, Aetius, and Valentinian III – Symptoms of the Ruin of the Roman Government
Origin, Progress, and Effects of the
Monastic Life – Conversion of the Barbarians to Christianity and Arianism – Persecution of the Vandals in Africa – Extinction of Arianism among Barbarians – Jews in
Spain
Reign and Conversion of
Clovis – His Victories over the
Alemanni,
Burgundians, and Visigoths – Establishment of the French Monarchy in Gaul – Laws of the Barbarians – State of the Romans – The Visigoths of Spain – Conquest of Britain by the
Saxons –
King Arthur
Zeno and
Anastasius, Emperors of the East – Birth, Education, and First Exploits of
Theodoric the
Ostrogoth – His Invasion and Conquest of Italy – The Gothic Kingdom of Italy – State of the West – Military and Civil Government – The Senator
Boethius – Death of
Symmachus – The Last Acts and Death of Theodoric
Elevation of
Justin the Elder – Reign of
Justinian: I. The Empress
Theodora – II. Factions of the Circus, and Sedition of Constantinople – III. Trade and Manufacture of
Silk – IV. Finances and Taxes – V. Edifices of Justinian – Church of
St. Sophia – Fortification and Frontiers of Eastern Empire – Abolition of Schools of
Athens and the Roman
Consulship by Justinian
Conquests of Justinian in the West – Character and First Campaigns of
Belisarius – He Invades and Subdues the
Vandal Kingdom of Africa – His Triumph – The Gothic War – He Recovers
Sicily,
Naples, and Rome – Siege of Rome by the Goths – Their Retreat and Losses – Surrender of
Ravenna – Glory of Belisarius – His Domestic Shame and Misfortunes – His Wife Antonina
State of the Barbaric World – Establishment of the
Lombards on the Danube – Tribes and Inroads of the
Sclavonians – Origin, Empire, and Embassies of the
Turks – The Flight of the
Avars –
Chosroes I. or Nushirvan King of Persia – His Reign and Wars with the Romans – The Colchian or
Lazic War – The
Aethiopians
Rebellions of Africa – Restoration of the Gothic Kingdom by
Totila – Loss and Recovery of Rome – Final Conquest of Italy by
Narses – Extinction of the Ostrogoths – Defeat of the
Franks and
Alemanni – Last Victory, Disgrace, and Death of Belisarius – Death and Character of Justinian – Comet, Earthquakes, Plague
Idea of the Roman
Jurisprudence – The Laws of the Kings – The
Twelve Tablets of the
Decemvirs – The Laws of the People – The Decrees of the Senate – The Edicts of the Magistrates and Emperors – Authority of the Civilians – Code, Pandects, Novels, and Institutes of Justinian: – I. Rights of Persons – II. Rights of Things – III. Private Injury & Action – IV. Crime & Punishment
Reign of the Younger
Justin – Embassy of the
Avars – Their Settlement on the Danube – Conquest of Italy by the Lombards – Adoption and Reign of
Tiberius – Of
Maurice – State of Italy Under the Lombards and the Exarchs of Ravenna – Distress of Rome – Character and Pontificate of
Gregory the First – The Saviour of Rome
Revolutions of Persia After the Death of Chosroes or Nushirvan – His Son Hormouz, a Tyrant, is Deposed – Usurpation of
Bahram – Flight and Restoration of
Chosroes II. – His Gratitude to the Romans – The
Chagan of the Avars – Revolt of the Army Against Maurice – His Death – Tyranny of
Phocas – Elevation of
Heraclius – The Persian War – Chosroes Subdues
Syria,
Egypt, and
Asia Minor – Siege of Constantinople by the Persians and Avars – Victories and Triumph of Heraclius
Characters of the Greek Emperors of Constantinople, From the Time of Heraclius to the Latin Conquest
Introduction, Worship, and
Persecution of Images – Revolt of Italy and Rome – Temporal Dominion of the
Popes – Conquest of Italy by the Franks – Character and Coronation of
Charlemagne – Decay of the Empire in the West – Independence of Italy – Constitution of the Germanic Body – The German Emperor
Charles IV
Description of
Arabia and its Inhabitants – Birth, Character, and Doctrine of
Mahomet – He Preaches at
Mecca – Flies to
Medina – Propagates His Religion by the Sword – Voluntary or Reluctant Submission of the Arabs – His Death and Successors – The Claims and Fortunes of
Ali His Descendants – Success of Mahomet
The Conquest of Persia, Syria, Egypt, Africa, and Spain, by the Arabs or
Saracens – Empire of the
Caliphs, or Successors of Mahomet – State of the Christians, &c. Under Their Government – Decline of Christianity
The Two Sieges of Constantinople by the Arabs – Their Invasion of France, and Defeat by
Charles Martel – Civil Wars of the
Ommiades and
Abbassides – Learning of the Arabs – Luxury of the Caliphs – Naval Enterprises on
Crete,
Sicily, and Rome – Decay and Division of the Empire of the Caliphs – Defeats and Victories of the Greek Emperors –
Nicephorus Phocas &
Zimisces
State of the Eastern Empire in the Tenth Century – Extent and Division – Wealth and Revenue – Palace of Constantinople – Titles and Offices – Pride and Power of the Emperors – Tactics of the Greeks, Arabs, and Franks – The Loss of
Latin – Solitude of the Greeks
Origin and Doctrine of the
Paulicians – Their Persecution by the Greek Emperors – Revolt in Armenia, &c. – Transplantation into
Thrace – Propagation in the West – The Seeds and Consequences of the
Reformation
The Bulgarians – Origin, Migrations, and Settlement of the
Hungarians – Their Inroads in the East and West – The Monarchy of
Russia – Geography and Trade – Wars of the Russians Against the Greek Empire – Conversion of the Barbarians – Baptism of
Wolodomir
The Saracens, Franks, and Greeks, in Italy – First Adventures and Settlement of the
Normans – Character and Conquests of
Robert Guiscard, Duke of
Apulia – Deliverance of Sicily by his Brother Roger – Victories of Robert over the Emperors of the East and West – Roger, King of Sicily, Invades Africa and Greece – The Emperor
Manuel Comnenus – Wars of the Greeks and Normans – Emperor
Henry VI. – Extinction of Normans
The Turks of the House of
Seljuk – Their Revolt Against Mahmud, Conqueror of
Hindostan –
Togrul Subdues Persia, and Protects the Caliphs – Defeat and Captivity of the Emperor
Romanus Diogenes by
Alp Arslan – Power and Magnificence of
Malek Shah – Conquest of Asia Minor and Syria – State and Oppression of Jerusalem – Pilgrimages to the
Holy Sepulchre
Origin and Numbers of the
First Crusade – Characters of the Latin Princes – Their March to Constantinople – Policy of the Greek Emperor
Alexius – Conquest of
Nicaea, Antioch, and Jerusalem, by the Franks – Deliverance of the Holy Sepulcher –
Godfrey of Bouillon, First
King of Jerusalem – The French or Latin
Kingdom
Schism of the Greeks and Latins – State of Constantinople – Revolt of the Bulgarians –
Isaac Angelus Dethroned by his Brother
Alexuis – Origin of the Fourth Crusade – Alliance of the French and
Venetians with the
son of Isaac – Their Naval Expedition to Constantinople – The Two Sieges, and Final Conquest of the city by the Latins – Sacrilege, Mockers, Destruction
Partition of the Empire by the French and Venetians – Five Latin Emperors of the Houses of
Flanders and
Courtenay – Their Wars Against the Bulgarians and Greeks – Weakness and Poverty of the
Latin Empire – Recovery of Constantinople by the Greeks – General Consequences of
Crusades – Digression – The Courtenays
The Greek Emperors of
Nice and Constantinople – Elevation and Reign of
Michael Palaeologus – His False Union with the Pope and the
Latin Church – Hostile Designs of
Charles of Anjou – Revolt of Sicily – War of the
Catalans in Asia and Greece – Revolutions and Present State of
Athens – Its People Elude Tyranny
Civil Wars, and Ruin of the Greek Empire – Reigns of Andronicus, the
Elder and
Younger, and
John Palaeologus –
Regency, Revolt, Reign, and Abdication, of
John Cantacuzene – Establishment of a
Genoese Colony at Pera or
Galata – Their Wars with the Empire and City of Constantinople – Genoese Victory over Venetians
Conquests of
Zingis Khan and the
Moguls from
China to
Poland – Escape of Constantinople and the Greeks – Origin of the
Ottoman Turks in
Bithynia – Reigns and Victories of
Othman,
Orchan,
Amurath the First, and
Bajazet the First – Foundation and Progress of the Turkish Monarchy in Asia and Europe – Danger of Constantinople and the Greek Empire – John Palaeologus
Elevation of
Timour, or Tamberlane, to the Throne of
Samarcand – His Conquests in Persia,
Georgia,
Tartary, Russia, India, Syria, and Anatolia – His Turkish War – Defeat and Captivity of
Bajazet – Death of Timour – Civil War of the Sons of Bajazet – Restoration of the Turkish Monarchy by
Mahomet the First – Siege of Constantinople by
Amurath the Second – Turkish Merit
Applications of the Eastern Emperors to the Popes – Visits to the West, of John the First,
Manuel, and John the Second, Palaeologus – Union of the Greek and Latin Churches, Promoted by the Council of Basil, and Concluded at
Ferrara and
Florence – State of Literature at Constantinople – Its Revival in Italy by the Greek Fugitives – Curiosity & Emulation of the Latins
Reign and Character of
Mahomet the Second – Siege, Assault, and
Final Conquest, of Constantinople, by the Turks – Death of Constantine Palaeologus – Servitude of the Greeks – Extinction of the Roman Empire in the East – Consternation of Europe – Conquests and Death of Mahomet the Second – His Lofty Aspirations
State of Rome from the Twelfth Century –
Temporal Dominion of the Popes – Seditions of the City – Political Heresy of
Arnold of Brescia – Restoration of the Republic – The Senators – Pride of the Romans – Their Wars – They are Deprived of the Election and Presence of the Popes, who Retire to
Avignon – The
Jubilee – Noble Families of Rome –
Colonna and
Ursini Feud
Character and Coronation of
Petrarch – Restoration of the Freedom and Government of Rome by the Tribune
Rienzi – His Virtues and Vices, His Expulsion and Death – Return of the Popes from Avignon –
Great Schism of the West – Re-Union of the Latin Church – Last Struggles of Roman Liberty – Statues of Rome – Final Settlement of the Ecclesiastical Government
Prospect of the Ruins of Rome in the Fifteenth Century – Four Causes of Decay and Destruction – Example of the
Colosseum – Ignorance and Barbarism of Romans – Renovation of the City – Conclusion
Notes
^Data assembled from David Womersley, ed., Edward Gibbon – The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 1 (London: Allen Lane, 1994), pp. cvii, 1084, 1106; and Norton, Biblio, 36–63. Norton reported that reliable figures on printed copies of all editions and volumes "cannot, unfortunately, be stated." p. 52. Precise days of publication from Norton, Biblio, except where otherwise noted.
Womersley, David. "Gibbon, Edward (1737–1794)," Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 22, H.C.G. Matthew; Brian Harrison, eds. (Oxford: 2004), 8–18. Cited as 'Womersley, ODNB'.
Womersley, "Chronology" in Edward Gibbon – The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 3 vols. (New York: Penguin Press, 1994, revised ed. 2005), pp. cxii–cxiii. Cited as 'Womersley, "Chronology"'.
The original edition was published between 1776 and 1789 in six volumes by the firm of [William]
Strahan & [Thomas]
Cadell, in the
Strand, London.[1]
Volume I has a complex history of its own. It was published in six editions between 1776 and 1789. Three of the six contain authorial revisions, marked AR:
First editions, 1776 Feb 17 (a and b-AR), 1000 copies;
Second edition, 1776 June 3; 1500 copies;
Third edition, 1777 May (AR); 1000 copies;
Fourth edition, 1781 Apr 4 (AR);
Fifth editions, 1782 Apr 11 (a and b);
Sixth edition, 1789 Dec 1.
Volumes II, III were published together in three editions between 1781 and 1789:
First editions, 1781 Mar 1 (a and b; b sometimes called the second edition);
Second edition, 1787 (n/a);
Third edition, 1789 Dec 1. published with the sixth edition of volume one as a new set.
Volumes IV, V, VI were published together in one edition only: 1788 May 8; 3000 copies each.
A one-volume edition with an "introductory memoir of the author" by William Youngman was published by J.O. Robinson (London, 1830).
The 1838–1839 Rev. H.H. (Dean) Milman edition, the first English critical edition, was published in 12 volumes. A second Milman edition, which serves as the basis for most electronic and public domain versions such as the
Gutenberg one, was published in 1846 in 6 volumes.[2]
The original
J.B. Bury edition (1896–1900) was 7 volumes.[3][4]
The 1910
Everyman's Library edition in 6 volumes was prepared by
Oliphant Smeaton. This was reprinted in the US with Smeaton's notes in two volumes by
Modern Library in 1932, later divided into three volumes,[5] and the text without his notes was reprinted as volumes 40 and 41 of the Great Books of the Western World series in 1952.
The 1946 Heritage Press edition of Bury's is three volumes. It divides the chapters into Volume 1: 1–26, Volume 2: 27–48, Volume 3: 49–71.
The latest complete edition in 3 volumes was edited by David Womersley, and published by Allen Lane (London) and Penguin Press (New York) in 1994.
The Cruelty, Follies, and Murder of
Commodus – Election of
Pertinax – His Attempts to Reform the State – His Assassination by the
Praetorian Guards – Indignation
The Death of Severus – Tyranny of
Caracalla – Usurpation of
Macrinus – Follies of
Elagabalus – Virtues of
Alexander Severus – Licentiousness of the Army – General State of the Roman Finances –
Tax & Tribute
The Elevation, and Tyranny, of
Maximinus – Rebellion in
Africa and
Italy, under the Authority of the
Senate – Civil Wars and Seditions – Violent Deaths of Maximin and his Son, of
Maximus and
Balbinus, and of the three Gordians – Usurpation and secular Games of Philip
Of the State of
Persia after the Restoration of the Monarchy by
Artaxerxes – His Character and Maxims
The State of
Germany till the Invasion of the
Barbarians, in the time of the Emperor
Decius – 248 AD.
Conduct of the Army and Senate after the Death of Aurelian – Reigns of
Tacitus,
Probus,
Carus and his Sons
The Reign of
Diocletian and his Three Associates,
Maximian,
Galerius, and
Constantius – General Re-establishment of Order and Tranquility –
The Persian War, Victory, and Triumph – The new Form of Administration – The
Abdication and Retirement of Diocletian and Maximian
Troubles after the Abdication of Diocletian – Death of
Constantius – Elevation of
Constantine and
Maxentius – Six Emperors at the same Time – Death of Maximian and Galerius – Victories of Constantine over Maxentius and
Licinius – Reunion of the Empire under the Authority of Constantine – His Laws – General Peace
The Progress of the
Christian Religion, and the Sentiments, Manners, Numbers, and Condition of the Primitive Christians – Ceremonies, Arts, and Festivals
The Conduct of the Roman Government towards the Christians, from Reign of
Nero to that of Constantine – Persecution of
Jews & Christians by
Domitian
Foundation of
Constantinople – Political System of Constantine, and his Successors – Military Discipline – The Palace – Finances – General Tribute – Free Gifts
Character of Constantine – Gothic War – Death of Constantine – Division of the Empire among his three sons – Persian War – Tragic Deaths of
Constantine the Younger and
Constans – Usurpation of
Magnentius – Civil War – Victory of
Constantius II
Constantius sole Emperor – Elevation and Death of
Gallus – Danger and Elevation of
Julian –
Sarmatian and Persian Wars – Victories of Julian in Gaul –
Paris
The Motives, Progress, and Effects of the Conversion of Constantine – Legal Establishment and Constitution of the Christian or
Catholic Church – The
Clergy
Persecution of
Heresy – The Schism of the
Donatists – The
Arian Controversy –
Athanasius – Distracted State of the Church and Empire under Constantine and his Sons
Julian is declared Emperor by the
Legions of
Gaul – His March and Success – The Death of Constantius – Civil Administration of Julian – His Fine Character
The Religion of
Julian – Universal Toleration – He Attempts to Restore and Reform the
Pagan Worship; To Rebuild the
Temple of Jerusalem – His Artful Persecution of the Christians – Mutual Zeal and Injustice
Residence of Julian at
Antioch – His Successful Expedition Against the
Persians – Passage of the
Tigris – The Retreat and Death of Julian – Election of
Jovian – He Saves the Roman army by a Disgraceful Peace Treaty
The Government and Death of Jovian – Election of
Valentinian I, who Associates his Brother
Valens, and Makes the Final Division of the
Eastern and Western Empires – Revolt of
Procopius – Civil and Ecclesiastical Administration –
Germany –
Britain –
Africa – the East – the
Danube – Death of Valentinian – His Two Sons,
Gratian and
Valentinian II, Succeeded to the Western Empire – The Eastern Emperor is Without Influence
Manners of the Pastoral Nations – Progress of the
Huns – Flight of the Goths – They Pass the Danube – Gothic War – Defeat and Death of Valens – Gratian Invests
Theodosius I with the Eastern Empire – His Character and Success – Peace and Settlement of the Goths
Death of Gratian – Ruin of Arianism –
St. Ambrose – First Civil War, against Maximus – Character, Administration, and Penance of Theodosius – Death of Valentinian II. – Second Civil War, against
Eugenius – Death of
Theodosius – Corruption of Times – Infantry Disarm
Final Destruction of Paganism – Introduction of the Worship of
Saints and
Relics among the Christians
Final Division of the Roman Empire between the Sons of Theodosius – Reign of
Arcadius and
Honorius – Administration of
Rufinus and
Stilicho – Revolt and Defeat of
Gildo in Africa – Condemnation by the Senate
Revolt of the Goths – They Plunder
Greece – Two Great Invasions of Italy by
Alaric and
Radagaisus – They are Repulsed by Stilicho – The Germans Overrun Gaul – Usurpation of Constantine in the West – Disgrace and Death of Stilicho – His Memory Persecuted –
Claudian
Invasion of Italy by Alaric – Manners of the Roman Senate and People – Rome is Thrice
Besieged and at Length Pillaged by the
Goths – Death of Alaric – The Goths Evacuate Italy – Fall of Constantine –
Gaul and Spain Occupied by the Barbarians –
Freedom of Britain
The Character, Conquests, and Court of
Attila, King of the Huns – Death of Theodosius the Younger – Elevation of
Marcian by Pulcheria to the Empire of the East
Invasion of Gaul by Attila – He is repulsed by Aetius and the
Visigoths – Attila Invades and Evacuates Italy – The Deaths of Attila, Aetius, and Valentinian III – Symptoms of the Ruin of the Roman Government
Origin, Progress, and Effects of the
Monastic Life – Conversion of the Barbarians to Christianity and Arianism – Persecution of the Vandals in Africa – Extinction of Arianism among Barbarians – Jews in
Spain
Reign and Conversion of
Clovis – His Victories over the
Alemanni,
Burgundians, and Visigoths – Establishment of the French Monarchy in Gaul – Laws of the Barbarians – State of the Romans – The Visigoths of Spain – Conquest of Britain by the
Saxons –
King Arthur
Zeno and
Anastasius, Emperors of the East – Birth, Education, and First Exploits of
Theodoric the
Ostrogoth – His Invasion and Conquest of Italy – The Gothic Kingdom of Italy – State of the West – Military and Civil Government – The Senator
Boethius – Death of
Symmachus – The Last Acts and Death of Theodoric
Elevation of
Justin the Elder – Reign of
Justinian: I. The Empress
Theodora – II. Factions of the Circus, and Sedition of Constantinople – III. Trade and Manufacture of
Silk – IV. Finances and Taxes – V. Edifices of Justinian – Church of
St. Sophia – Fortification and Frontiers of Eastern Empire – Abolition of Schools of
Athens and the Roman
Consulship by Justinian
Conquests of Justinian in the West – Character and First Campaigns of
Belisarius – He Invades and Subdues the
Vandal Kingdom of Africa – His Triumph – The Gothic War – He Recovers
Sicily,
Naples, and Rome – Siege of Rome by the Goths – Their Retreat and Losses – Surrender of
Ravenna – Glory of Belisarius – His Domestic Shame and Misfortunes – His Wife Antonina
State of the Barbaric World – Establishment of the
Lombards on the Danube – Tribes and Inroads of the
Sclavonians – Origin, Empire, and Embassies of the
Turks – The Flight of the
Avars –
Chosroes I. or Nushirvan King of Persia – His Reign and Wars with the Romans – The Colchian or
Lazic War – The
Aethiopians
Rebellions of Africa – Restoration of the Gothic Kingdom by
Totila – Loss and Recovery of Rome – Final Conquest of Italy by
Narses – Extinction of the Ostrogoths – Defeat of the
Franks and
Alemanni – Last Victory, Disgrace, and Death of Belisarius – Death and Character of Justinian – Comet, Earthquakes, Plague
Idea of the Roman
Jurisprudence – The Laws of the Kings – The
Twelve Tablets of the
Decemvirs – The Laws of the People – The Decrees of the Senate – The Edicts of the Magistrates and Emperors – Authority of the Civilians – Code, Pandects, Novels, and Institutes of Justinian: – I. Rights of Persons – II. Rights of Things – III. Private Injury & Action – IV. Crime & Punishment
Reign of the Younger
Justin – Embassy of the
Avars – Their Settlement on the Danube – Conquest of Italy by the Lombards – Adoption and Reign of
Tiberius – Of
Maurice – State of Italy Under the Lombards and the Exarchs of Ravenna – Distress of Rome – Character and Pontificate of
Gregory the First – The Saviour of Rome
Revolutions of Persia After the Death of Chosroes or Nushirvan – His Son Hormouz, a Tyrant, is Deposed – Usurpation of
Bahram – Flight and Restoration of
Chosroes II. – His Gratitude to the Romans – The
Chagan of the Avars – Revolt of the Army Against Maurice – His Death – Tyranny of
Phocas – Elevation of
Heraclius – The Persian War – Chosroes Subdues
Syria,
Egypt, and
Asia Minor – Siege of Constantinople by the Persians and Avars – Victories and Triumph of Heraclius
Characters of the Greek Emperors of Constantinople, From the Time of Heraclius to the Latin Conquest
Introduction, Worship, and
Persecution of Images – Revolt of Italy and Rome – Temporal Dominion of the
Popes – Conquest of Italy by the Franks – Character and Coronation of
Charlemagne – Decay of the Empire in the West – Independence of Italy – Constitution of the Germanic Body – The German Emperor
Charles IV
Description of
Arabia and its Inhabitants – Birth, Character, and Doctrine of
Mahomet – He Preaches at
Mecca – Flies to
Medina – Propagates His Religion by the Sword – Voluntary or Reluctant Submission of the Arabs – His Death and Successors – The Claims and Fortunes of
Ali His Descendants – Success of Mahomet
The Conquest of Persia, Syria, Egypt, Africa, and Spain, by the Arabs or
Saracens – Empire of the
Caliphs, or Successors of Mahomet – State of the Christians, &c. Under Their Government – Decline of Christianity
The Two Sieges of Constantinople by the Arabs – Their Invasion of France, and Defeat by
Charles Martel – Civil Wars of the
Ommiades and
Abbassides – Learning of the Arabs – Luxury of the Caliphs – Naval Enterprises on
Crete,
Sicily, and Rome – Decay and Division of the Empire of the Caliphs – Defeats and Victories of the Greek Emperors –
Nicephorus Phocas &
Zimisces
State of the Eastern Empire in the Tenth Century – Extent and Division – Wealth and Revenue – Palace of Constantinople – Titles and Offices – Pride and Power of the Emperors – Tactics of the Greeks, Arabs, and Franks – The Loss of
Latin – Solitude of the Greeks
Origin and Doctrine of the
Paulicians – Their Persecution by the Greek Emperors – Revolt in Armenia, &c. – Transplantation into
Thrace – Propagation in the West – The Seeds and Consequences of the
Reformation
The Bulgarians – Origin, Migrations, and Settlement of the
Hungarians – Their Inroads in the East and West – The Monarchy of
Russia – Geography and Trade – Wars of the Russians Against the Greek Empire – Conversion of the Barbarians – Baptism of
Wolodomir
The Saracens, Franks, and Greeks, in Italy – First Adventures and Settlement of the
Normans – Character and Conquests of
Robert Guiscard, Duke of
Apulia – Deliverance of Sicily by his Brother Roger – Victories of Robert over the Emperors of the East and West – Roger, King of Sicily, Invades Africa and Greece – The Emperor
Manuel Comnenus – Wars of the Greeks and Normans – Emperor
Henry VI. – Extinction of Normans
The Turks of the House of
Seljuk – Their Revolt Against Mahmud, Conqueror of
Hindostan –
Togrul Subdues Persia, and Protects the Caliphs – Defeat and Captivity of the Emperor
Romanus Diogenes by
Alp Arslan – Power and Magnificence of
Malek Shah – Conquest of Asia Minor and Syria – State and Oppression of Jerusalem – Pilgrimages to the
Holy Sepulchre
Origin and Numbers of the
First Crusade – Characters of the Latin Princes – Their March to Constantinople – Policy of the Greek Emperor
Alexius – Conquest of
Nicaea, Antioch, and Jerusalem, by the Franks – Deliverance of the Holy Sepulcher –
Godfrey of Bouillon, First
King of Jerusalem – The French or Latin
Kingdom
Schism of the Greeks and Latins – State of Constantinople – Revolt of the Bulgarians –
Isaac Angelus Dethroned by his Brother
Alexuis – Origin of the Fourth Crusade – Alliance of the French and
Venetians with the
son of Isaac – Their Naval Expedition to Constantinople – The Two Sieges, and Final Conquest of the city by the Latins – Sacrilege, Mockers, Destruction
Partition of the Empire by the French and Venetians – Five Latin Emperors of the Houses of
Flanders and
Courtenay – Their Wars Against the Bulgarians and Greeks – Weakness and Poverty of the
Latin Empire – Recovery of Constantinople by the Greeks – General Consequences of
Crusades – Digression – The Courtenays
The Greek Emperors of
Nice and Constantinople – Elevation and Reign of
Michael Palaeologus – His False Union with the Pope and the
Latin Church – Hostile Designs of
Charles of Anjou – Revolt of Sicily – War of the
Catalans in Asia and Greece – Revolutions and Present State of
Athens – Its People Elude Tyranny
Civil Wars, and Ruin of the Greek Empire – Reigns of Andronicus, the
Elder and
Younger, and
John Palaeologus –
Regency, Revolt, Reign, and Abdication, of
John Cantacuzene – Establishment of a
Genoese Colony at Pera or
Galata – Their Wars with the Empire and City of Constantinople – Genoese Victory over Venetians
Conquests of
Zingis Khan and the
Moguls from
China to
Poland – Escape of Constantinople and the Greeks – Origin of the
Ottoman Turks in
Bithynia – Reigns and Victories of
Othman,
Orchan,
Amurath the First, and
Bajazet the First – Foundation and Progress of the Turkish Monarchy in Asia and Europe – Danger of Constantinople and the Greek Empire – John Palaeologus
Elevation of
Timour, or Tamberlane, to the Throne of
Samarcand – His Conquests in Persia,
Georgia,
Tartary, Russia, India, Syria, and Anatolia – His Turkish War – Defeat and Captivity of
Bajazet – Death of Timour – Civil War of the Sons of Bajazet – Restoration of the Turkish Monarchy by
Mahomet the First – Siege of Constantinople by
Amurath the Second – Turkish Merit
Applications of the Eastern Emperors to the Popes – Visits to the West, of John the First,
Manuel, and John the Second, Palaeologus – Union of the Greek and Latin Churches, Promoted by the Council of Basil, and Concluded at
Ferrara and
Florence – State of Literature at Constantinople – Its Revival in Italy by the Greek Fugitives – Curiosity & Emulation of the Latins
Reign and Character of
Mahomet the Second – Siege, Assault, and
Final Conquest, of Constantinople, by the Turks – Death of Constantine Palaeologus – Servitude of the Greeks – Extinction of the Roman Empire in the East – Consternation of Europe – Conquests and Death of Mahomet the Second – His Lofty Aspirations
State of Rome from the Twelfth Century –
Temporal Dominion of the Popes – Seditions of the City – Political Heresy of
Arnold of Brescia – Restoration of the Republic – The Senators – Pride of the Romans – Their Wars – They are Deprived of the Election and Presence of the Popes, who Retire to
Avignon – The
Jubilee – Noble Families of Rome –
Colonna and
Ursini Feud
Character and Coronation of
Petrarch – Restoration of the Freedom and Government of Rome by the Tribune
Rienzi – His Virtues and Vices, His Expulsion and Death – Return of the Popes from Avignon –
Great Schism of the West – Re-Union of the Latin Church – Last Struggles of Roman Liberty – Statues of Rome – Final Settlement of the Ecclesiastical Government
Prospect of the Ruins of Rome in the Fifteenth Century – Four Causes of Decay and Destruction – Example of the
Colosseum – Ignorance and Barbarism of Romans – Renovation of the City – Conclusion
Notes
^Data assembled from David Womersley, ed., Edward Gibbon – The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. 1 (London: Allen Lane, 1994), pp. cvii, 1084, 1106; and Norton, Biblio, 36–63. Norton reported that reliable figures on printed copies of all editions and volumes "cannot, unfortunately, be stated." p. 52. Precise days of publication from Norton, Biblio, except where otherwise noted.
Womersley, David. "Gibbon, Edward (1737–1794)," Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 22, H.C.G. Matthew; Brian Harrison, eds. (Oxford: 2004), 8–18. Cited as 'Womersley, ODNB'.
Womersley, "Chronology" in Edward Gibbon – The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 3 vols. (New York: Penguin Press, 1994, revised ed. 2005), pp. cxii–cxiii. Cited as 'Womersley, "Chronology"'.