For decades, perhaps centuries, the standard work of reference on Roman History has been courtesy of Edward Gibbon. In its original printing it was a best-seller and a publishing sensation. History was brought to the masses in vivid detail. Within its massive six volumes Gibbon put into context the entire sweep of this huge and complex Empire. We visit its far-flung regions, its most charismatic characters as we travel through centuries of its existence and its eternal influence on Western and, most probably, World culture. Considering the times and the resources at his disposal it quite incredible what Gibbon has been able to put together, to distil, to formulate and precisely plot in this most seducing of histories. Index of Contents 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 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 Persion And Restoration of The Monarchy CHAPTER IX - State of Germany Until the Barbarians CHAPTER X - Emperors Decius, Gallus, Aemilianus, 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 Edward Gibbon - A Short Biography Edward Gibbon - A Concise Bibliography