Sidebilder
PDF
ePub
[ocr errors]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors]

Maximian re-assumes the Purple

307. Defeat and Death of Severus

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

The Brothers and Sisters of Constantine

Discontent of the Romans at the Apprehension of Taxes

806. Maxentius declared Emperor at Rome

Maximian gives his Daughter Fausta, and the Title of

Augustus, to Constantine

307. Elevation of Licinius to the Rank of Augustus

476

[ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Elevation of Maximin

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

His Dominion shared between Maximin and Licinius
306-312. Administration of Constantine in Garl
Tyranny of Maxentius in Italy and Africa

812. Civil War between Constantine and Maxentius.
Preparations

[ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

War between Maximin and Licinius

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

DECLINE AND FALL

ОР

THE ROMAN EMPIRE

CHAPTER I.

THE EXTENT AND MILITARY FORCE OF THE EMPIRE IN THE AGE
OF THE ANTONINES.

In the second century of the Christian era, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valour. The gentle, but powerful, influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the provinces. Their peaceful inhabitants enjoyed and abused the advantages of wealth and luxury. 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 of more than fourscore years, the public administration was conducted by the virtue and abilities of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and the two Antonines. It is the design of this, and of the two succeeding chapters, to describe the prosperous condition of their empire; and afterwards, from the death of Marcus Antoninus, to deduce the most important circumstances of its decline and fall; a revolution which will ever be remem hered, and is still felt, by the nations of the earth.

VOL. I.

« ForrigeFortsett »