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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

By: Edward Gibbon
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In this library of spoken volumes, the works of Edward Gibbon are restored to the patient ear: a monument of history, reason, irony, and imperial decline. From the ruins of ancient greatness to the slow revolutions of manners, faith, power, and ambition, each reading invites the listener to contemplate, with the historian, how the fortune of empires is composed from the virtues and follies of mankind.Public domain World
Episodes
  • History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 1 - Chapter VI Part 3

    History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 1 - Chapter VI Part 3
    Jun 14 2026
    In which the tumultuous reign of Elagabalus is chronicled with particular attention to his extravagant and unconventional excesses that scandalised Roman society, until his death and the elevation of the virtuous youth Alexander Severus. The narrative then paints a serene portrait of Alexander’s early rule, marked by wise governance, the influence of his mother Mamæa, and earnest attempts to restore discipline and justice within empire and army alike.
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    21 mins
  • History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 1 - Chapter VI Part 4

    History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 1 - Chapter VI Part 4
    Jun 14 2026
    In which the troublesome reign of Alexander Severus is marked by the insubordination of the troops and the emperor’s valiant but ultimately inadequate efforts to restore discipline and order amidst military tumult. An examination of imperial revenues follows, revealing the profound transformation of Roman taxation under Augustus and Caracalla, whereby the empire’s wealth and burdens were increasingly centralised and oppressive, foreshadowing the growing estrangement between Rome’s refined citizens and its martial frontiersmen.
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    24 mins
  • History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 1 - Chapter VI Part 1

    History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Volume 1 - Chapter VI Part 1
    Jun 13 2026
    In which the imperious reign of Severus draws to a close amidst his hopes for dynastic continuity, overshadowed by the rising discord and deadly ambition of his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, whose rivalry threatens the very fabric of empire. The tragic fraternal strife culminates in violence and purges, unveiling the harrowing costs of power and the fragility of imperial unity under the shadow of ambition and suspicion.
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    17 mins
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