The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

A. D.

221
202

tents of the army. Alexander Seve-
rus declared Cæsar. Sedition of the
guards, and murder of Elagabalus.
Accession of Alexander Severus
Power of his mother Mamaa. His wise
and moderate administration. Edu-
cation and virtuous temper of Alex-
ander. Journal of his ordinary life
222-235 General happiness of the Roman

world. Alexander refuses the name
of Antoninus. He attempts to reform
the army. Seditions of the prætorian
guards, and murder of Ulpian
Danger of Dion Cassius. Tumults of
the legions. Firmness of the emperor.
Defects of his reign and character
Digression on the finances of the em-
pire. Establishment of the tribute
on Roman citizens. Abolition of the
tribute. Tributes of the provinces
Of Asia, Egypt, and Gaul. Of Africa
and Spain. Of the isle of Gyarus.
Amount of the revenue. Taxes on
Roman citizens instituted by Augus-
tus. 1. The customs

II. The excise. III. Tax on legacies

and inheritances. Suited to the laws

and manners

Regulations of the emperors. Edict of
Caracalla. The freedom of the city
given to all the provincials for the
purpose of taxation. Temporary re-
duction of the tribute. Consequences
of the universal freedom of Rome

CHAP. VII.

272

271 The reign and defeat of Tetricus.
272 Character of Zenobia. Her beauty
and learning. Her valour
She revenges her husband's death. She
reigns over the east and Egypt. The
expedition of Aurelian.

120

The em-

The elevation and tyranny of Marimin.-Rebellion

in Africa and Italy, under the authority of the

senate.-Civil wars and seditions.-Violent deaths

of Marimin and his son, of Maximus and Balbi-

nus, and of the three Gordians.-Usurpation and

secular games of Philip.

The apparent ridicule and solid advan-

tages of hereditary succession. Want

of it in the Roman empire productive

of the greatest calamities. Birth and

fortunes of Maximin

235 His military service and honour. Con-

spiracy of Maximin. Murder of

Alexander Severus. Tyranny of

Maximin

237 Oppression of the provinces. Revolt

in Africa

237

Character and elevation of the two Gor-

dians. They solicit the confirmation

of their authority

The senate ratifies the election of the

Gordians. Declares Maximin a pub-

lic enemy. Assumes the command of

Rome and Italy. Prepares for a

civil war. Defeat and death of the

two Gordians

Election of Maximus and Balbinus by

the senate. Their characters. Tu-

mult at Rome. The younger Gor-

dian is declared Cæsar

Maximin prepares to attack the senate,

238 and their emperors. Marches into

Italy. Siege of Aquileia

238 Conduct of Maximus. Murder of Maxi-

min and his son. His portrait. Joy

of the Roman world. Sedition at

Rome

Discontent of the prætorian guards.

238 Massacre of Maximus and Balbinus.

The third Gordian remains sole em-

peror

Innocence and virtues of Gordian.

240, 242 Administration of Misitheus. The

Want of discipline. Civil dissensions

of Germany. Fomented by the policy

of Rome

Transient union against Marcus An-

toninus. Distinction of the German

tribe. Numbers

CHAP. X.

270 Death of the emperor, who recommends

Aurelian for his successor. I he

attempt and fall of Quintilius. Origin

and services of Aurelian. Aurelian's

successful reign. His severe discipline 116

He concludes a treaty with the Goths.

He resigns to them the province of

Dacia

270 The Alemannic war. The Alemanni

invade Italy. They are at last van-

quished by Aurelian

271 Superstitious ceremonies. Fortifica-

tions of Rome. Aurelian suppresses

the two usurpers. Succession of

usurpers in Gaul

peror defeats the Palmyrenians in

the battles of Antioch and Fmesa.

The state of Palmyra. It is besieged

by Aurelian

273 Aurelian becomes master of Zenobia,

and of the city. Behaviour of Zeno-

bia. Rebellion and ruin of Palmyra.

Aurelian suppresses the rebellion of

Firmus in Egypt. Triumph of Au-

relian

His treatment of Tetricus and Zenobia.

His magnificence and devotion. He

suppresses a sedition at Roine. Ob-

servations upon it

274

Cruelty of Aurelian

275 He marches into the east, and is as-

Conduct of the army and senate after the death of

Aurelian.-Reigns of Tacitus, Probus, Carus,

and his sons.

Extraordinary contest between the

army and the senate for the choice

275 of an emperor. A peaceful inter-

regnum of eight months

The consul assembles the senate. Cha-

racter of Iacitus. He is elected em-

He accepts the purple. Authority of
the senate. Their joy and confidence
Tacitus is acknowledged by the army.
The Alani invade Asia, and are re-
pulsed by Tacitus. Death of the em-
peror Tacitus. Usurpation and death
of his brother Florianus

Their family subsists in obscurity.

Character and elevation of the em-

peror Probus. His respectful con-

duct towards the senate

129

Of the state of Persia after the restoration of the

monarchy by Artaxerxes.

The barbarians of the east and of the
north. Revolutions of Asia. The Per-
sian monarchy restored by Artaxerxes. 78
Reformation of the Magian religion.
Persian theology, two principles
Religious worship. Ceremonies and
moral precepts. Encouragement of
agriculture. Power of the Magi
Spirit of persecution. Establishment
of the royal authority in the pro-
vinces.
Extent and population of

Persia

Recapitulation of the war between the
Parthian and
Cities of Seleucia and Ctesiphon.
Roman empires.

216 Conquest of Osrhoene by the Ro-

165

Conquest of the Bosphorus by the

Goths. The Goths acquire a naval

force. First naval expedition of the

Goths. The Goths besiege and take

Trebizond

The second expedition of the Goths.
They plunder the cities of Bithynia,
Retreat of the Goths. Third naval
expedition of the Goths
They pass the Bosphorus and the Hel-
lespont. Ravage Greece, and
threaten Italy. Their divisions and
retreat. Ruin of the temple of Ephesus 106
Conduct of the Goths at Athens. Con-
quest of Armenia by the Persians.
Valerian marches into the east.
200 Is defeated and taken prisoner by
Sapor king of Persia

Victories of Probus over the barbarians.

He delivers Gaul from the invasion

of the Germans

131

103

He carries his arms into Germany. He

builds a wall from the Rhine to the

Danube. Introduction and settle-

ment of the barbarians

132

He celebrates the Roman games. Spec-
tacles of Rome. The amphitheatre

Return of Numerian with the army

138

Death of Numerian. Election of the

112

285 Elevation and character of Diocletian

139

104

Daring enterprise of the Franks. Re-

volt of Saturninus in the east.-Of

Bonosus and Proculus in Gaul

133

104

281 Triumph of the emperor Probus. His

282 discipline. His death.

303 Armenia. Iberia. Triumph of Dio-
cletian and Maximian. Long ab
sence of the emperors from Rome
Their residence at Milan. At Nico-
media. Debasement of Rome and
of the senate. New bodies of guards,.
Jovians and Herculians

Civil magistracies laid aside. Impe-

rial dignity and titles. Diocletian

assumes the diadem, and introduces

the Persian ceremonial

A. D.

286 His clemency and victory. Associa

tion and character of Maximian

202 Association of two Caesars, Galerius
and Constantius. Departments and
harmony of the four princes. Series

287 of events. State of the peasants of

Gaul

287 Their rebellion and chastisement. Re-

volt of Carausius in Britain. Impor-

tance of Britain

289 Power of Carausius. Acknowledged
294 by the other emperors. His death.
296 Recovery of Britain by Constantius
Defence of the frontiers. Fortifications.
Dissensions of the barbarians. Con-
duct of the emperors. Valour of the
Casars. Treatment of the barbarians
296 Wars of Africa and Egypt. Conduct
of Diocletian in Egypt. He sup-
presses books of alchymy
Novelty and progress of that art. The
289 Persian war. Tiridates the Ar-
286 menian. His restoration to the throne
of Armenia. State of the country.
Revolt of the people and nobles.
Story of Mamgo

296 The Persians recover Armenia. War
between the Persians and the Ro-
mans. Defeat of Galerius. His re-
ception by Diocletian

297 Second campaign of Galerius. His
victory. His behaviour to his royal
captives. Negociation for peace.
Speech of the Persian ambassador
Answer of Galerius. Moderation of
Diocletian. Conclusion of a treaty
of peace. Articles of the treaty. The
Aboras fixed as the limits between
the empires. Cession of five pro-
vinces beyond the Tigris

Page | A. D.

Unfortunate fate of the empress Valeria

and her mother. Quarrel between

Constantine and Licinius

314 First civil war between them. Battle
of Cibalis. Battle of Mardia

315-323 Treaty of peace. General peace,

and laws of Constantine

gerous conspiracy,

207

Their manners calumniated.

Their

172

173

322, 323 The Gothic war. Second civil war

between Constantine and Licinius

323 Battle of Hadrianople. Siege of By-

zantium, and naval victory of Crispus 175

Battle of Chrysopolis. Submission and

death of Licinius. Re-union of the

empire

174

176

Remarks on the passage of Tacitus re-
lative to the persecution of the chris-
tians by Nero

Oppression of the Jews and christians

by Domitian

Execution of Clemens the consul. Ig-

norance of Pliny concerning the

christians

wards the christians. They neglected
the christians as a sect of Jews

The fire of Rome under the reign of

Nero. Cruel punishment of the

christians as the incendiaries of the

Trajan and his successors establish a
legal mode of proceeding against
them. Popular clamours
Trials of the christians. Humanity of
the Roman magistrates

Inconsiderable number of martyrs.

214

215

257

178

Example of Cyprian, bishop of Car-

thage. His danger and flight. His

banishment

216

147

More liberal zeal of christianity. Ob
stinacy and reasons of the believing
Jews. The Nazarene church of Je-
rusalem

179

148

149

150

151

The Ebionites. The Gnostics
Their sects, progress, and influence
The dæmons considered as the gods of
antiquity. Abhorrence of the chris-
tians for idolatry. Ceremonies
Arts. Festivals. Zeal for christianity
II. THE SECOND CAUSE. The doctrine
of the immortality of the soul among
the philosophers. Among the pagans
of Greece and Rome
Among the barbarians and the Jews.
Among the christians. Approaching
end of the world. Doctrine of the
millennium

Conflagration of Rome and of the

world. The pagans devoted to eter-

nal punishment

His condemnation. His martyrdom

Various incitements to martyrdom.

Ardour of the first christians

Gradual relaxation. Three methods

of escaping martyrdom. Alternatives

of severity and toleration

The ten persecutions. Supposed edicts

of Tiberius and Marcus Antoninus.

State of the christians in the reigns

of Commodus and Severus

211-249 Of the successors of Severus.

244 Of Maximin, Philip, and Decius

253-260 Of Valerian, Gallienus, and his

200 successors. Paul of Samosata, his

186

224

225

Abdication of Diocletian and Maxi-
mian. Resemblance to Charles the

304 fith. Long illness of Diocletian.

His prudence. Compliance of Max-

imian

188

154

Retirement of Diocletian at Salona.

313 His philosophy. His death. De-

scription of Salona and the adjacent

country

155

Of Diocletian's palace. Decline of the

Troubles after the abdication of Diocletian.-Death

of Constantius.-Elevation of Constantine and

Maxentius.-Sir emperors at the same time.-

Death of Maximian and Galerius.-Victories of

Constantine over Maxentius and Licinius.-Re-

union of the empire under the authority of Con-

stantine.

305-323 Period of civil wars and confu-

sion. Character and situation of

Constantius-of Galerius

The two Cæsars, Severus and Max-

imin. Ambition of Galerius disap-

274 pointed by two revolutions. Birth,

education, and escape of Constantine

306 Death of Constantius, and elevation of

Constantine

He is acknowledged by Galerius, who

gives him only the title of Cæsar, and

that of Augustus to Severus. The

brothers and sisters of Constantine.

Discontent of the Romans at the ap-

306 prehension of taxes. Maxentius de-

clared emperor at Rome

Were often converted by their fears.
III. THE THIRD CAUSE. Miracu-
lous powers of the primitive church

Their truth contested. Our perplexity

in defining the miraculous period.

Use of the primitive miracles

IV. THE FOURTH CAUSE. Virtues

of the first christians. Effects of their

repentance. Care of their reputation 189

Morality of the fathers. Principles of
human nature. The primitive cliris-
tians condenin pleasure and luxury
Their sentiments concerning marriage
and chastity. Their aversion to the
business of war and government

V. THE FIFTH CAUSE. The chris-

tians active in the government of the

church. Its primitive freedom and

equality

Institutions of bishops as presidents of

the college of presbyters. Provincial

councils

Union of the church. Progress of

episcopal authority. Pre-eminence

of the metropolitan churches. Am-

bition of the Roman pontiff

Laity and clergy. Oblations and

revenue of the church

Distribution of the revenue

Excommunication. Public penance.

The dignity of episcopal government

Recapitulation of the five causes.

Weakness of polytheism. The scep-

ticism of the pagan world proved

favourable to the new religion

And to the peace and union of the Ro-

man empire. Historical view of the

progress of christianity. In the east

The church of Antioch. In Egypt

In Rome. In Africa and the western

provinces

Beyond the limits of the Roman em-

pire. General proportion of chris-

tians and pagans. Whether the first

christians were mean and ignorant

Some exceptions with regard to learn-

ing-to rank and fortune. Chris-

tianity most favourably received by

the poor and simple. Rejected by

some eminent men of the first and

second centuries

190

270 He is degraded from the see of An-

274

tioch. The sentence is executed by

284-303 Aurelian. Peace and prosperity

of the church under Diocletian

Progress of zeal and superstition among

the pagans. Maximian and Galerius

punish a few christian soldiers

Galerius prevails on Diocletian to be-
gin a general persecution, Demo-
lition of the church of Nicomedia

The first edict against the christians.

Zeal and punishment of a christian.

Fire of the palace of Nicomedia im-

puted to the christians

Execution of the first edict. Demoli-

tion of the churches. Subsequent

edicts

303-311 General idea of the persecution.

In the western provinces, under Con-

stantius and Constantine

220

227

228

228, 229

311 Galerius publishes an edict of tolera-

tion. Peace of the church. Maximin

prepares to renew the persecution

313 End of the persecutions. Probable ac-

count of the sufferings of the mar-

tyrs and confessors. Number of

Foundation of Constantinople.-Political system

of Constantine, and his successes.-Military dis-

cipline. The palace.-The finances.

160

330 or 334 Privileges. Dedication

239

202

300-500 Form of government in the Ro-

man empire. Hierarchy of the

state. Three ranks of

honour.

Four divisions of office

The patricians. II. The prætorian

308 Elevation of Maximin. Six emperors.

Misfortunes of Maximian

163

310, 311 His death. Death of Galerius.
His dominion shared between Max-
306-312 imin and Licinius. Administra-
tion of Constantine in Gaul
Tyranny of Maxentius in Italy and
312 Africa. Civil war between Constan-
tine and Maxentius

Preparations. Constantine passes the

Their neglect of prophecy. Of mira-

cles. General silence concerning the

darkness of the passion

The prætects of Rome and Constanti-

nople

243

204

The proconsuls, vice-præfects, &c.

The governors of the provinces

244

The profession of the law

245

III. The military officers

246

Distinction of the troops. Reduction

165

Alps

166

Battle of Turin. Siege and battle of

Verona

167

Indolence and fears of Maxentius.
312 Victory of Constantine near Rome
His reception. His conduct at Rome

313 His alliance with Licinius. War be-

tween Maximin and Licinius. The

defeat of Maximin. His death. Cru-

elty of Licinius

168

169

The conduct of the Roman government towards the

christians, from the reign of Nero to that of Con

stantine.

Christianity persecuted by the Roman

emperors. Inquiry into their mo-

tives. Rebellious spirit of the Jews

Toleration of the Jewish religion. The
Jews were a people which followed,
the christians a sect which deserted,
the religion of their fathers

Christianity accused of atheism, and

mistaken by the people and philoso-

of the legions

247

Difficulty of levies. Increase of bar-

barian auxiliaries

248

IV. Seven ministers of the palace. 1.

The chamberlain. 2. The master of

the offices. 3. The quæstor

249

205

4. The public treasurer. 5. The private

treasurer

250

6, 7. The counts of the domestics.

Agents, or official spies. Use of

V. Spiritual censures. VI. Freedom

of public preaching

VII. Privilege of legislative assemblies 306

CHAP. XXI.

Persecution of heresy.-The schism of the Dona-

tists.-The Arian controversy.-Athanasius.

Distracted state of the church and empire under

Constantine and his sons.-Toleration of paganism.

312 African controversy

315 Schism of the donatists

97 Revealed by the apostle St. John. The

Ebionites and Docetes. Mysterious

Manners of the Sarmatians. Their set-
tlement near the Danube

Zeal of the christians

311

362 Restoration of Athanasius. He is per-
secuted and expelled by Julian

364

261

Authority of the church.

Factions.

361-363 Zeal and imprudence of the chris-

331 The Gothic war

334 Expulsion of the Sarmatians. Death

337

and funeral of Constantine

263

Factions of the court. Massacre of the

princes

Heterodox opinions of Arius. Three

systems of the Trinity. I. Arianism 312

II. Tritheism. III. Sabellianism.

Council of Nice. The Homoousion

337, 310 Division of the empire.

Sapor,

king of Persia.

State of Mesopo-

Arian sects. Faith of the western, or

342, 337-360 Death of Tiridates.

The

348 Persian war. Battle of Singara

360 Council of Rimini. Conduct of the

emperors in the Arian controversy.

Indifference of Constantine

316

Residence of Julian at Antioch-His successful

expedition against the Persians.-Passage of the

Tigris.-The retreat and death of Julian.-Elec-

tion of Jovian.-He saves the Roman army by a

disgraceful treaty.

338, 346, 350 Siege of Nisibis

267

350

340 Civil war, and death of Constantine.

Murder of Constans

268

Magnentius and Vetranio assume the

purple. Constantius refuses to treat.

Deposes Vetranio

325, 328-337. His zeal. He persecutes the

Arian and the orthodox party.

337-361. Constantius favours the Arians

Character and adventures of Athanasius

330 Persecution against Athanasius

319

320

351 Makes war against Magnentius

270

Battle of Mursa

271

352, 353 Conquest of Italy. Last defeat and

death of Magnentius

336, 341 His first exile. His second exile

349, 351 His restoration. Resentment of

353-355 Councils of Arles and Milan

323

355 Condemnation of Athanasius. Exiles.

Julian composes a satire against Anti-

344-390 och. The sophist Libanius

363 March of Julian to the Euphrates

Third expulsion of Athanasius from

Alexandria

324

Constantius sole emperor.-Elevation and death of

Gallus.-Danger and elevation of Julian.-Sar-

matian and Persian wars.-Victories of Julian in

Gaul.

His behaviour

325

His design of invading Persia. Dis-

affection of the king of Armenia.

Military preparations

370

356-362 His retreat

326

Arian bishops. Divisions. I. Rome

II. Constantinople

327

328

Julian enters the Persian territories.

His march over the desert of Meso-

potamia

371

Cruelty of the Arians.

329

His success

372

345, &c. The revolt and fury of the Donatist

Circumcellions. Their religious sui-

363 Description of Assyria. Invasion of

Assyria. Siege of Perisabor. Siege

lus declared Cæsar. Cruelty and

imprudence of Gallus

cides

312-361 General character of the christian

330

of Maogamalcha

373

Personal behaviour of Julian

374

274

354 Massacre of the imperial ministers.

Dangerous situation of Gallus

sects. Toleration of paganism by

Constantine

331

He transports his fleet from the Eu-

phrates to the Tigris

375

275

355 He is sent to Athens. Recalled to Mi-

lan

His disgrace and death. The danger

and escape of Julian

By his sons

332

Passage of the Tigris, and victory of

the Romans. Situation and obstinacy

Declared Cæsar. Fatal end of Sylva-

Marches against Sapor

378

nus

278

357 Constantius visits Rome. A new obe-

lisk

Julian is declared emperor by the legions of Gaul.-

His march and success.-The death of Constan-

tius.-Civil administration of Julian.

Retreat and distress of the Roman

army. Julian is mortally wounded

357, 358, 359 The Quadian and Sarmatian

war

280

358 The Persian negociation

281

359 Invasion of Mesopotamia by Sapor.

Conduct of the Romans. Invasion of

Gaul by the Germans

360 The legions of Gaul are ordered to
march into the east. Their discon-
tents

The jealousy of Constantius against

Julian. Fears and envy of Constan-

tius

Election of the emperor Jovian

Danger and difficulty of the retreat.

Negociation and treaty of peace

The weakness and disgrace of Jovian.

He continues his retreat to Nisibis

Universal clamour against the treaty

356 Conduct of Julian. His first campaign

in Gaul

285

His protestations of innocence. His

embassy to Constantius

336

357 His second campaign. Battle of Stras-

360, 361 His fourth and fifth expeditions be-

361

burg

286

358 Julian subdues the Franks

357, 358, 359 Makes three expeditions be-

yond the Rhine. Restores the cities

of Gaul

yond the Rhine. Fruitless treaty and

declaration of war

Jovian evacuates Nisibis, and restores

the five provinces to the Persians.

Reflections on the death of Julian

Civil administration of Julian

Description of Paris

289

290

He justifies his cause. Hostile pre-

339

parations

Reformation of the palace

361 Death of Constantius. Julian enters

Constantinople. Is acknowledged by

the whole empire. His civil govern-

ment and private life

340

341

innocent and the guilty

Chamber of justice. Punishment of the

343

306-337 Date of the conversion of Constan-

tine

dom and the republic

Clemency of Julian. His love of free-

344

306-312 His pagan superstition. He pro-

tects the christians of Gaul

290

313 Edict of Milan. Use and beauty of

an orator and a judge

His care of the Grecian cities. Julian,

345

346

347

Theory and practice of passive obe-

with his infant son, assumes the name

364 and ensigns of the consulship. Death

of Jovian. Vacancy of the throne

364 Election and character of Valentinian.

The government and death of Jovian.-Election of

Valentinian, who associates his brother Valens,

and makes the final division of the eastern and

western empires.-Revolt of Procopius.-Civil

and ecclesiastical administration.-Germany.-

Britain. Africa.-The east.-The Danube.

Death of Valentinian.-His two sons, Gratian

and Valentinian II. succeed to the western em-

pire.

363 State of the church

Jovian proclaims universal toleration

364 His progress from Antioch. Jovian,

386

387

388

dience. Divine right of Constantine.

General edict of toleration

Loyalty and zeal of the christian party.

Expectation and belief of a miracle

I. The Labarum, or standard of the

cross. II. The dream of Constantine 295

III. Appearance of a cross in the sky

The conversion of Constantine might

The religion of Julian.-Universal toleration.-He

attempts to restore and reform the pagan worship

-to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem.-His artful

persecution of the christians.-Mutual zeal and

injustice.

364

365

He is acknowledged by the army. 389

Associates his brother Valens.

final division of the eastern and

The

western empires. Revolt of Proco-

pius

390

366, 373 His defeat and death. Severe in-

351 Religion of Julian.

312-438 Change of the national religion

Distinction of the spiritual and tem-

The fourth eclogue of Virgil. Devo-

tion and privileges of Constantine

Delay of his baptism till the approach

of death. Propagation of christianity 299

297

298

The allegories

His education and apostasy. He em-

braces the mythology of paganism

quisition into the crime of magic at

Theological system of Julian. Fana-
ticism of the philosophers. Initiation

349

Their laws and government

Valentinian maintains the religious

toleration

394

395

361 He writes against christianity. Uni-
versal toleration

351

301

361-363 Zeal and devotion of Julian in

formation of paganism

the restoration of paganism. Re-

persecutes the catholics. Death of

Athanasius. Just idea of the perse-

cution of Valens

396

366-384 Ambition and luxury of Dama-

397

364-375, 365 Foreign wars. I. GERMANY.

431 Defeat and retreat of Boniface. His

432, 431-439 death. Progress of the Van-

dals in Africa

550

439 They surprise Carthage. African exiles

and captives

551

552

Fable of the seven sleepers

468 Preparations against the Vandals of

Africa

468

Failure of the expedition

462-479 Conquest of the Visigoths in Spain
and Gaul. Trial of Arvandus

471 Discord of Anthemius and Ricimer

472 Olybrius, emperor of the west

472 Sack of Rome, and death of Anthemius.

Death of Ricimer-of Olybrius.

472-475 Julius Nepos and Glycerius em-

perors of the west

475, 476 The patrician Orestes. His son
Augustulus, the last emperor of the
476-490 west. Odoacer, king of Italy
476 or 479 Extinction of the western einpire.
Augustulus is banished to the Lu-
cullan villa

476-490 Decay of the Roman spirit. Cha-
racter and reign of Odoacer

Miserable state of Italy

CHAP. XXXVII.