The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Vol. I

Focusing on the decline of the Roman Empire, the book explores the events following Marcus Aurelius's reign and presents Gibbon's theory that moral decay, loss of military resolve, and diminished civic responsibility contributed to Rome's fall. Written over 13 years starting in 1776, it is celebrated as a classic of world literature. Gibbon's methodology, emphasizing primary sources, has earned him recognition as a pioneering figure in modern historical scholarship, making this work a vital reference for scholars even today.