"IN the second century of the Christian era, the Empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the..."

By: vivian on segunda-feira, junho 19, 2017

“IN the second century of the Christian era, the Empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilised portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valour. 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 executive powers of government.”

- The opening of “The Decline and Fall of hte Roman Empire,” Edward Gibbon’s famous explanation of how and why the once-great empire ended.

Related post