Grammar-Stage Reading
Does the writer state
his purpose for writing?
As the copy
I read is the abridged edition, Gibbon did not speak much in his Preface. But
from first chapter, I gather that he would like to deduce how such an empire as
Roman (the fairest part of the earth and
the most civilized portion of mankind) could have declined and finally
fallen. It is something that all nations will remember; probably the most
extreme revolution that ever happened?
What are the major
events of the history?
Click the image to bring you the the complete list of events.
Who is this story
about?
It is about
an empire; but since Roman was once the largest territory including Asia,
Africa, and Europe, and the most civilized portion of mankind, this history is
actually the history of mankind. It is also a story about our religions.
Who or what causes
this challenge?
There are
several causes that work together; the incapable emperors, the threat of the
conquered provinces/tribes (Barbarian, Goths, German, Persian, etc), and the
rising of both religions: Christian and Islam.
Logic-Stage Reading
Look for the
historian’s major assertions
The cause of
the decline and fall of Roman Empire is very complex; it involves almost the
whole human civilization and its circumstances, and they are all connected each
other. The single power of the monarchs is the first cause, then the rise of
the barbarian nations, and even the establishment of Christian and Islam
religions, as well the reign of their leaders. So, perhaps, Roman history has
brought the biggest influence over the history of our mankind.
Rhetoric-Stage Reading
What is the purpose
of history?
With The Decline and Fall, Gibbon wanted to connect
the ancient and modern history of the world.
What does it mean to
be human?
The Roman
Empire could be powerful for so long (and in so large territory) because of
their qualified values: dignity, discipline, and valour.
Why do things go
wrong?
With all the
expansions, the Republic of Rome became very large. But then, Julius Caesar,
with his great ambition, proclaimed the first triumvirate, and after the bloody
civil war, Roman became an Empire, with one Caesar (Augustus) to lead the whole
nation. Then came Pax Romana; but with the prosperity came the lack of
discipline in Rome. And when they were weakening, their enemies got stronger.
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