Storia Della Decadenza E Rovina Dell'impero Romano, Volume 07

A historical account written in the late 18th century. This volume continues Gibbon's extensive exploration of the Roman Empire's decline, focusing on the interplay between its civil and ecclesiastical affairs during the rise of Christianity and the establishment of monastic life. The text examines significant events, such as the conversion of various barbarian tribes and the impact of monasticism, reflecting on their roles in the gradual decline of Rome's power and cohesion. The opening of this volume delves into two major developments during the Empire's decline: the institution of monastic life and the conversion of northern barbarians to Christianity. Gibbon provides a detailed account of how monasticism emerged as a response to worldly corruption, highlighting the ascetic practices of early monks and their eventual influence on societal norms and values. He discusses figures such as St. Anthony, who played crucial roles in establishing monastic communities, and tracks the fluctuating acceptance of Christianity among barbarian nations, emphasizing the complex relationship between religious conversion, social structures, and military power. Through historical anecdotes and analyses, Gibbon sets the stage for understanding the multifaceted factors that influenced the disintegration of the Roman Empire.