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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
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.”

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Book:The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edited and Abridged): Abridged Edition
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“Hope, the best comfort of our imperfect condition, was not denied to the Roman slave; and if he had any opportunity of rendering himself either useful or agreeable, he might very naturally expect that the diligence and fidelity of a few years would be rewarded with the inestimable gift of freedom.”

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