His work is a major literary achievement of the 18th century –still cited by scholars. Gibbon, consulted more original and ancient sources than any other ‘Rome’ scholar then or now. He ‘pioneered’ the use of ‘footnotes’. Therefore, we know what Gibbon read and the conclusions derived thereof. To assert that Gibbon ignored the length of the Roman Empire is like saying Einstein ignored the speed of light!

Gibbon’s history was published in six extensive volumes in 1776. It went through six printings. The original volumes were published as quartos, a common publishing practice of the time.

Even the period covered by Gibbon is not ’short’ –the period after Marcus Aurelius (from just before 180) to 1453. Gibbon most certainly knew a thing or two, as well, about the Eastern Empire. He is consulted by everyone writing about it today.