For decades, perhaps centuries, the standard work of reference on Roman History has been courtesy of Edward Gibbon. In its original printing it was a best-seller and a publishing sensation. History was brought to the masses in vivid detail. Within its massive six volumes Gibbon put into context the entire sweep of this huge and complex Empire. We visit its far-flung regions, its most charismatic characters as we travel through centuries of its existence and its eternal influence on Western and, most probably, World culture. Considering the times and the resources at his disposal it quite incredible what Gibbon has been able to put together, to distil, to formulate and precisely plot in this most seducing of histories. Index of Contents CHAPTER XXXIX - Gothic Kingdom of Italy CHAPTER XL - Reign of Justinian CHAPTER XLI - Conquests of Justinian, Charact Of Balisarius CHAPTER XLII - State of The Barbaric World CHAPTER XLIII - Last Victory and Death of Belisarius, Death of Justinian CHAPTER XLIV - Idea of the Roman Jurisprudence CHAPTER XLV - State of Italy Under the Lombards CHAPTER XLVI - Troubles in Persia CHAPTER XLVII - Ecclesiastical Discord CHAPTER XLVIII - Succession and Characters of the Greek Emperors Edward Gibbon - A Short Biography Edward Gibbon - A Concise Bibliography