Edward Gibbon

(1737-1794)
English scientist, the first professional historian, in the works which advanced the philosophical ideas of 18. connected with high scientific level of critical analysis of a wide range of sources. His research, he first showed the influence of historical laws of development of all aspects of human society: economic, social relations, types of political systems, forms of land ownership.
. Gibbon came from a wealthy and distinguished family, received an excellent education in Switzerland
. On his return he collaborates with leading representatives of science and culture, such as the Economist, A. Smith, a lover of antiquities and philanthropist Lord Sheffield. Gibbon readily included in the parliamentary work, interrupting it only for trips to France, Switzerland, Italy, during which approaches the encyclopaedists d'Alembert, P. Holbach, K. Helvetius.

Celebrity Gibbon brought his main work - 'History of Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' - released in 1776-1780 he. in 6 volumes. Analysis of ancient authors, attracting a wide range of historical literature has allowed scientists to create a complete picture of the development of Rome and the entire Mediterranean antiquity and the medieval period. His work begins with Gibbon 2., Calling it a 'golden age' of the Roman state, and brings to the capture of Constantinople by the Turks. He sees as the direct successor of the Byzantine Roman Empire. Gibbon distinguishes three periods of historical development: the first - from 2 to. (from the time the reign of Kom-fashion) and to take in 476 g. Rome down by the Goths, the second - from the reign of Eastern Roman Empire Justinian to Charlemagne, the creator of the powerful Mediterranean powers (cm. Charlemagne's empire), the third - until the fall of Constantinople.

. According to scientists, after the rule of 'best' Antonine Emperors entire history of Rome is a continuous decline, the cause of which he sees in the deterioration of political institutions and religious strife
. He managed to create a gallery of vivid portraits of statesmen of antiquity and Middle Ages. 'History of Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' became a classic of world historiography, and had an enormous impact on the historiography thought 19.