The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (Edward Gibbon)

"The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," written by Edward Gibbon in the 18th century, analyzes the factors that led to the collapse of Roman civilization. Gibbon argues that internal decay, including political instability, moral decline, and economic troubles, combined with external pressures from invading tribes, precipitated the empire's fall. He highlights the role of Christianity in transforming Roman values and weakening civic duty. Gibbon's work is notable for its scholarly rigor and eloquent prose, shaping modern historical understanding of Rome's decline and its lasting impact on Western civilization.