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A Compendium Of Italian History From The Fall Of The Roman Empire Tr And Completed To The Present Time By Jd Morell Primary Source Edition
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Book Synopsis A compendium of Italian history from the fall of the Roman empire, tr. and completed to the present time by J.D. Morell by : Giovanni Bosco (st.)
Download or read book A compendium of Italian history from the fall of the Roman empire, tr. and completed to the present time by J.D. Morell written by Giovanni Bosco (st.) and published by . This book was released on 1881 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire, Tr. and Completed to the Present Time by J.D. Morell - Primary Source Edition by : Giovanni Bosco
Download or read book A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire, Tr. and Completed to the Present Time by J.D. Morell - Primary Source Edition written by Giovanni Bosco and published by Nabu Press. This book was released on 2014-01-11 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.
Book Synopsis A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire, Tr. and Completed to the Present Time by J.D. Morell by : Giovanni Bosco
Download or read book A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire, Tr. and Completed to the Present Time by J.D. Morell written by Giovanni Bosco and published by Franklin Classics. This book was released on 2018-10-10 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Book Synopsis A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire. Translated from the Italian ... and Completed to the Present Time by J.D. Morell by : Saint JOHN Bosco
Download or read book A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire. Translated from the Italian ... and Completed to the Present Time by J.D. Morell written by Saint JOHN Bosco and published by . This book was released on 1881 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire by : Saint Giovanni Bosco
Download or read book A Compendium of Italian History from the Fall of the Roman Empire written by Saint Giovanni Bosco and published by . This book was released on 1881 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis List of Additions, with Notes by : Free Public Library (Worcester, Mass.)
Download or read book List of Additions, with Notes written by Free Public Library (Worcester, Mass.) and published by . This book was released on 1878 with total page 1160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Edward Gibbon and published by Cosimo, Inc.. This book was released on 2008-01-01 with total page 566 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is Edward Gibbon's magnum opus, written and published over a 13-year period beginning in 1776. It not only chronicles the events of the downfall starting with the end of the rule of Marcus Aurelius, but proposes a theory as to why Rome collapsed: the populace, Gibbon theorizes, lost its moral fortitude, its militaristic will, and its sense of civic duty. History is considered a classic in world literature, and Gibbon is sometimes called the first "modern historian" for his insistence upon using primary sources for his research. Many scholars today still use his highly regarded work as reference. In this fourth of seven volumes, readers will find Chapter 36 ("Total Extinction of the Western Empire") through Chapter 44 ("Idea of the Roman Jurisprudence"), which cover the rule and death of Emperor Maximus; the invasion of the Vandals; the reigns of Majorian, Ricimer, Leo, Anthemius, Olybrius, Julius Nepos, Glycerius, Flavius Orestes, and Augustulus; the extinction of the Western Roman Empire; the decay of the Roman Spirit; the rule of Odoacer over Italy; the origin and development of monastic life; the conversion of the Goths, Vandals, Burgundians, and Lombards; the persecution of the Jews in Spain; and the rule of barbarian kings over the lands formerly under Roman control. Chapter 39 begins a concentration on the Eastern Roman Empire, starting with Theodoric of the Osthrogoths, and the volume continues with Justinian I; Belisarius's invasion of Africa; histories of the Gepidae, the Lombards, and the Sclavonians; the deaths of both Belisarius and Justinian; and an overview of Roman law. English parliamentarian and historian EDWARDGIBBON (1737-1794) attended Magdelan College, Oxford for 14 months before his father sent him to Lausanne, Switzerland, where he continued his education. He published Essai sur l'tude de la Littrature (1761) and other autobiographical works, including Mmoire Justificatif pour servir de Rponse l'Expos, etc. de la Cour de France (1779).
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Edward Gibbon and published by Cosimo, Inc.. This book was released on 2008-01-01 with total page 526 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is Edward Gibbon's magnum opus, written and published over a 13-year period beginning in 1776. It not only chronicles the events of the downfall starting with the end of the rule of Marcus Aurelius, but proposes a theory as to why Rome collapsed: the populace, Gibbon theorizes, lost its moral fortitude, its militaristic will, and its sense of civic duty. History is considered a classic in world literature, and Gibbon is sometimes called the first "modern historian" for his insistence upon using primary sources for his research. Many scholars today still use his highly regarded work as reference. In this last of seven volumes, readers will find Chapter 64 ("Moguls, Ottoman Turks") through Chapter 71 ("Civil Prospect of the Ruins of Rome in the Fifteenth Century"), which cover the establishment of the Mogul empire and their conquests of China, Persia, Anatolia, and Siberia; the origin of the Ottomans; the establishment of the Ottomans in Europe; the history and life of Timour (Tamerlane); the siege of Constantinople by Amurath II; the reign of John Palaeologus II; the invention of gunpowder; the continued struggles between the Greeks and Latins for influence in the Eastern Roman Empire; the reign of Constantine (the last emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire); the reign of Mahomet (Mehmed) II of the Ottoman Empire; the siege of Constantinople; a summary of the state of Rome since the 12th century; the life of Petrarch; the Great Schism of the West; and the final decay of Rome in the 15th century. Also included in this volume is a complete index to the seven-volume series, English parliamentarian and historian EDWARD GIBBON (1737-1794) attended Magdelan College, Oxford for 14 months before his father sent him to Lausanne, Switzerland, where he continued his education. He published Essai sur l'tude de la Littrature (1761) and other autobiographical works, including Mmoire Justificatif pour servir de Rponse l'Expos, etc. de la Cour de France (1779).
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Edward Gibbon and published by Cosimo, Inc.. This book was released on 2008-01-01 with total page 526 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is Edward Gibbon's magnum opus, written and published over a 13-year period beginning in 1776. It not only chronicles the events of the downfall starting with the end of the rule of Marcus Aurelius, but proposes a theory as to why Rome collapsed: the populace, Gibbon theorizes, lost its moral fortitude, its militaristic will, and its sense of civic duty. History is considered a classic in world literature, and Gibbon is sometimes called the first "modern historian" for his insistence upon using primary sources for his research. Many scholars today still use his highly regarded work as reference. In this third of seven volumes, readers will find Chapter 25 ("Reigns of Jovian and Valentinian, Division of the Empire") through Chapter 35 ("Invasion by Attila"), which cover the rules of Jovian, Valentinian, Valens, Gratian, Theodosius, Arcadius, Honorius, Eutropius, and Valentinian III; wars in Germany, Britain, Africa, and Persia; the Gothic War in 376; the conversion of Rome; the revolt of the Goths; the numerous sackings of Rome by the Goths and Charles V; revolutions in Gaul and Spain; the life of Saint John Chrysostom; the life of Empress Eudocia; the progress of the Vandals in Africa; and the invasion of the Roman Empire by Attila the Hun. English parliamentarian and historian EDWARD GIBBON (1737-1794) attended Magdelan College, Oxford for 14 months before his father sent him to Lausanne, Switzerland, where he continued his education. He published Essai sur l'tude de la Littrature (1761) and other autobiographical works, including Mmoire Justificatif pour servir de Rponse l'Expos, etc. de la Cour de France (1779).
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Edward Gibbon and published by Cosimo, Inc.. This book was released on 2008-01-01 with total page 582 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is Edward Gibbon's magnum opus, written and published over a 13-year period beginning in 1776. It not only chronicles the events of the downfall starting with the end of the rule of Marcus Aurelius, but proposes a theory as to why Rome collapsed: the populace, Gibbon theorizes, lost its moral fortitude, its militaristic will, and its sense of civic duty. History is considered a classic in world literature, and Gibbon is sometimes called the first "modern historian" for his insistence upon using primary sources for his research. Many scholars today still use his highly regarded work as reference. In this sixth of seven volumes, readers will find Chapter 52 ("More Conquests by the Arabs") through Chapter 63 ("Civil Wars and the Ruin of the Greek Empire"), which cover the continued wars between Constantinople and the Arabs; the rise of Harun al Rashid; Islamic advances in the sciences; the invasion of Rome by the Saracens; the state of the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century; the rise of Greek power and influence in the Eastern Roman Empire; the Paulicans; the establishment of a Bulgarian kingdom; the origin of the Russian monarchy; the rise of the Normans in Italy; the life of Robert Guiscard; the many conquests of Sicily; the origin of the Seljuk Turks and their empire; the Turkish conquest of Jerusalem; the First, Second, and Third Crusades; the break between the Greeks and Latins in Constantinople; the rule of Emperor Baldwin I; the resurgence of Greek power in Constantinople; the origins of the family of Courtenay; and the establishment of the Greek Empire. English parliamentarian and historian EDWARD GIBBON (1737-1794) attendedMagdelan College, Oxford for 14 months before his father sent him to Lausanne, Switzerland, where he continued his education. He published Essai sur l'tude de la Littrature (1761) and other autobiographical works, including Mmoire Justificatif pour servir de Rponse l'Expos, etc. de la Cour de France (1779).
Book Synopsis The History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire Volume III By Edward Gibbon by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire Volume III By Edward Gibbon written by Edward Gibbon and published by BEYOND BOOKS HUB. This book was released on 2021-01-01 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire was written by English historian Edward Gibbon & originally published in six quarto volumes. Volume 1 was published in 1776, going thru six printings; 2-3 in 1781; 4-6 in 1788-89. It was a major literary achievement of the 18th century, adopted as a model for the methodologies of historians. The books cover the Roman Empire after Marcus Aurelius, from 180 to 1590. They take as their material the behavior & decisions that led to the eventual fall of the Empire in East & West, offering explanations. Gibbon is called the 1st modern historian of ancient Rome. By virtue of its mostly objective approach & accurate use of reference material, his work was adopted as a model for the methodologies of 19-20th century historians. His pessimism & detached irony was common to the historical genre of his era. Although he published other books, Gibbon devoted much of his life (1772-89) to this one work. His Memoirs of My Life & Writings is devoted largely to his reflections on how the book virtually became his life. He compared the publication of each succeeding volume to a newborn. Gibbon offers an explanation for why the Roman Empire fell, a task difficult because of few comprehensive written sources, tho he wasn't the only historian to tackle the subject. Most of his ideas are taken from what few relevant records were available: those of Roman moralists of the 4-5th centuries. According to Gibbon, the Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions because of lost of civic virtue. They'd become weak, outsourcing defence to barbarian mercenaries, who became so numerous & ingrained that they took over. Romans had become effeminate, incapable of tough military lifestyles. In addition, Christianity created belief that a better life existed after death, fostering indifference to the present, sapping patriotism. Its comparative pacifism tended to hamper martial spirit. Lastly, like other Enlightenment thinkers, he held in contempt the Middle Ages as a priest-ridden, superstitious, dark age. It wasn't until his age of reason that history could progress. This edition also includes an illustrated history of BOTH the RISE AND FALL of the Roman Empire from its very beginning. HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE COMPLETE VOLUMES 1 - 6 (sometimes shortened to "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire") is a book of history written by the English historian Edward Gibbon, which traces the trajectory of the Roman Empire—and Western civilization as a whole—from the late first century AD to the fall of the Eastern or Byzantine Empire. Published in six volumes, volume I was published in 1776 and went through six printings. Volumes II and III were published in 1781; volumes IV, V, VI in 1788-89. The original volumes were published in quarto sections, a common publishing practice of the time. The work covers the history of the Roman Empire, Europe, and the Catholic Church from 98 to 1590 and discusses the decline of the Roman Empire in the East and West. Because of its relative objectivity and heavy use of primary sources, at the time its methodology became a model for later historians. This led to Gibbon being called the first "modern historian of ancient Rome". Gibbon offers an explanation for why the Roman Empire fell, a task made difficult by a lack of comprehensive written sources, though he was not the only historian to tackle the subject. According to Gibbon, the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions in large part due to the gradual loss of civic virtue among its citizens. They had become weak, outsourcing their duties to defend their Empire to barbarian mercenaries, who then became so numerous and ingrained that they were able to take over the Empire. Romans, he believed, had become effeminate, unwilling to live a tougher, "manly" military lifestyle. In addition, Gibbon argued that Christianity created a belief that a better life existed after death, which fostered an indifference to the present among Roman citizens, thus sapping their desire to sacrifice for the Empire. He also believed its comparative pacifism tended to hamper the traditional Roman martial spirit. Finally, like other Enlightenment thinkers, Gibbon held in contempt the Middle Ages as a priest-ridden, superstitious, dark age. It was not until his own age of reason and rational thought, it was believed, that human history could resume its progress. Gibbon sees the Praetorian Guard as the primary catalyst of the empire's initial decay and eventual collapse, a seed planted by Augustus at the establishment of the empire. He cites repeated examples of the Praetorian Guard abusing their power with calamitous results, including numerous instances of imperial assassination and incessant demands for increased pay. COLLAPSE
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Complete 6 Volume Edition) by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Complete 6 Volume Edition) written by Edward Gibbon and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2017-06-28 with total page 2137 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a book of history which traces the trajectory of Western civilization (as well as the Islamic and Mongolian conquests) from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. The work covers the history of the Roman Empire, Europe, and the Catholic Church from 98 to 1590 and discusses the decline of the Roman Empire in the East and West: I. The first period may be traced from the age of Trajan and the Antonines, when the Roman monarchy, having attained its full strength and maturity, began to verge towards its decline; and will extend to the subversion of the Western Empire, by the barbarians of Germany and Scythia, the rude ancestors of the most polished nations of modern Europe. This extraordinary revolution, which subjected Rome to the power of a Gothic conqueror, was completed about the beginning of the sixth century. II. The second period commences with the reign of Justinian, who, by his laws, as well as by his victories, restored a transient splendor to the Eastern Empire. It will comprehend the invasion of Italy by the Lombards; the conquest of the Asiatic and African provinces by the Arabs, who embraced the religion of Mahomet; the revolt of the Roman people against the feeble princes of Constantinople; and the elevation of Charlemagne, who, in the year eight hundred, established the second, or German Empire of the West III. The last and longest period includes about six centuries and a half; from the revival of the Western Empire, till the taking of Constantinople by the Turks, and the extinction of a degenerate race of princes. Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) was an English historian and Member of Parliament.
Book Synopsis History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by : Edward Edward Gibbon
Download or read book History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Edward Edward Gibbon and published by . This book was released on 2017-07-21 with total page 522 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How is this book unique? Font adjustments & biography included Unabridged (100% Original content) Illustrated About History Of The Decline and Fall Of The Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is a book of history written by the English historian Edward Gibbon, which traces the trajectory of Western civilisation (as well as the Islamic and Mongolian conquests) from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. The work covers the history, from 98 to 1590, of the Roman Empire, the history of early Christianity and then of the Roman State Church, and the history of Europe, and discusses the decline of the Roman Empire in the East and West. Because of its relative objectivity and heavy use of primary sources, unusual at the time, its methodology became a model for later historians. This led to Gibbon being called the first "modern historian of ancient Rome". Edward Gibbon offers an explanation for the fall of the Roman Empire, a task made difficult by a lack of comprehensive written sources, though he was not the only historian to attempt the task. According to Gibbon, the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions in large part due to the gradual loss of civic virtue among its citizens. They had become weak, outsourcing their duty to defend their empire to barbarian mercenaries, who then became so numerous and ingrained that they were able to take over the Empire. Romans, he believed, were unwilling to live a tougher, military lifestyle. In addition, Gibbon argued that Christianity created a belief that a better life existed after death, which fostered an indifference to the present among Roman citizens, thus sapping their desire to sacrifice for a larger purpose. He also believed that Christianity's comparative pacifism tended to hamper the traditional Roman martial spirit. Finally, like other Enlightenment thinkers and British citizens of the age steeped in institutional anti-Catholicism, Gibbon held in contempt the Middle Ages as a priest-ridden, superstitious Dark Age. It was not until his own era, the "Age of Reason," with its emphasis on rational thought, it was believed, that human history could resume its progress.
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - Primary Source Edition by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - Primary Source Edition written by Edward Gibbon and published by Nabu Press. This book was released on 2014-02 with total page 542 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; Volume 1 by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; Volume 1 written by Edward Gibbon and published by Franklin Classics. This book was released on 2018-10-07 with total page 580 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Book Synopsis The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 6 by : Edward Gibbon
Download or read book The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 6 written by Edward Gibbon and published by Theclassics.Us. This book was released on 2013-09 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1811 edition. Excerpt: ...have we not endured? Regardless of " the majesty of the purple, I gave my daughter " to a Goth; I sacrificed my own blood to the " safety of the republic. The liberality which-; ought to have secured the eternal attachment " of Ricimer has exasperated him against his " benefactor. What wars has he not excited " against the empire? How often has he insti" gated, and assisted the fury of hostile nations? " Shall I now accept his perfidious friendship? " Can I hope that he will respect the engage" ments of a treaty, who has already violated " the duties of a son?" But the anger of Anthemius evaporated in these passionate exclamations: he insensibly yielded to the proposals of Epiphanius; and the bishop returned to his diocess with Chap. the satisfaction of restoring-the peace of Italy, XXXVI H, . X, . by a reconciliation," of which the sincerity and continuance might be reasonably suspected. The clemency of the emperor was extorted from his weakness; and Ricimer suspended his ambi-tious designs, till he had secretly prepared the engines with which he resolved to subvert the throne of Anthemius. The mask of peace and moderation was then thrown aside. The army of Ricimer was fortified by a numerous reinforce-ment of Burgundians and oriental Suevi: he disclaimed all allegiance to the Greek emperor, .marched from Milan to the gates of Rome, and fixing his camp on the banks of the Anio, im-patiently expected the arrival of Olybrius, his imperial candidate. The senator Olybrius, of the Anician family, might esteem himself the lawful heir of the the West, western empire. He had married Placidia, the younger daughter of Valentinian, after she was restored by Genseric; who still detained her sister Eudoxia, as the wife, or rather as the captive, of his...
Book Synopsis The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by : Gibbon, Edward
Download or read book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire written by Gibbon, Edward and published by Delmarva Publications, Inc.. This book was released on 2015-03-09 with total page 3727 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: All six volumes are contained in this eBook. There is a linked table of contents, and the footnotes are also linked. Gibbon’s masterpiece, which narrates the history of the Roman Empire from the second century A.D. to its collapse in the west in the fifth century and in the east in the fifteenth century, is widely considered the greatest work of history ever written. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (sometimes shortened to Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) is a book of history written by the English historian Edward Gibbon, which traces the trajectory of Western civilization (as well as the Islamic and Mongolian conquests) from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium. Published in six volumes, volume I was published in 1776 and went through six printings. Volumes II and III were published in 1781; Volumes IV, V, and VI in 1788–89. The original volumes were published in quarto sections, a common publishing practice of the time. The work covers the history of the Roman Empire, Europe, and the Catholic Church from 98 to 1590 and discusses the decline of the Roman Empire in the East and West. Because of its relative objectivity and heavy use of primary sources, at the time its methodology became a model for later historians. This led to Gibbon being called the first "modern historian of ancient Rome". Gibbon offers an explanation for why the Roman Empire fell, a task made difficult by a lack of comprehensive written sources, though he was not the only historian to tackle the subject. According to Gibbon, the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions in large part due to the gradual loss of civic virtue among its citizens. They had become weak, outsourcing their duties to defend their Empire to barbarian mercenaries, who then became so numerous and ingrained that they were able to take over the Empire. Romans, he believed, had become effeminate, unwilling to live a tougher, "manly" military lifestyle. In addition, Gibbon argued that Christianity created a belief that a better life existed after death, which fostered an indifference to the present among Roman citizens, thus sapping their desire to sacrifice for the Empire. He also believed its comparative pacifism tended to hamper the traditional Roman martial spirit. Finally, like other Enlightenment thinkers, Gibbon held in contempt the Middle Ages as a priest-ridden, superstitious dark age. It was not until his own age of reason and rational thought, it was believed, that human history could resume its progress. Gibbon saw the Praetorian Guard as the primary catalyst of the empire's initial decay and eventual collapse, a seed planted by Augustus at the establishment of the empire. He cites repeated examples of the Praetorian Guard abusing their power with calamitous results, including numerous instances of imperial assassination and incessant demands for increased pay. Gibbon's style is frequently distinguished by an ironically detached and somewhat dispassionate yet critical tone. He occasionally lapsed into moralization and aphorism. "As long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst of military glory will ever be the vice of the most exalted characters". "The influence of the clergy, in an age of superstition, might be usefully employed to assert the rights of mankind; but so intimate is the connection between the throne and the altar, that the banner of the church has very seldom been seen on the side of the people"(Chapter Three). "History...is, indeed, little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortune of mankind"(ibid). "If we contrast the rapid progress of this mischievous discovery [of gunpowder] with the slow and laborious advances of reason, science, and the arts of peace, a philosopher, according to his temper, will laugh or weep at the folly of mankind" (Chapter).
