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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition

Book by Edward Gibbon · 3 quotes · History, Roman Empire, Government

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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition Quotes

“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. During a happy period (A.D. 98-180) of more than fourscore years, the public administration was conducted by the virtue and abilities of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and the two Antonines.”

YearsTwoGovernmentAbilityHistoryVirtuePeriodsAuthorityConstitutionAdministrationDecentExecutivesSenateReverenceSovereignEmperorRoman EmpireExecutive PowerHadrian
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“That public virtue which among the ancients was denominated patriotism, is derived from a strong sense of our own interest in the preservation and prosperity of the free government of which we are members. Such a sentiment, which had rendered the legions of the republic almost invincible, could make but a very feeble impression on the mercenary servants of a despotic prince; and it became necessary to supply that defect by other motives, of a different, but not less forcible nature; honour and religion.”

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Book:The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition
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“The two Antonines (for it is of them that we are now speaking) governed the Roman world forty-two years, with the same invariable spirit of wisdom and virtue. ... Their united reigns are possibly the only period of history in which the happiness of a great people was the sole object of government.”

PeopleWorldYearsTwoGovernmentSpiritUnitedHistoryVirtueObjectsPeriodsFortyTwo YearsSoleReignGreat PeopleRoman Empire
Book:The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition
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