CHAPTER IX.
SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AMONG THE ROMANS.
The Mathematical Genius of the Old Astronomers—Their Labors and
Discoveries—Extent of Astronomical Knowledge—The Alexandrian School—
The Science of Geometry and how far carried—Great Names—Medicine—
Geography—Other Physical Sciences and their limited Triumphs
CHAPTER X.
INTERNAL CONDITION OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.
The Vices and Miseries of Roman Society—Social Inequalities—
Disproportionate Fortunes—The Wealth and Corruption of Nobles—
Degradation of the People—Vast Extent of Slavery—The Condition of
Women—Demoralizing Games and Spectacles—Excessive Luxury and squalid
Misery—Money-making—Imperial Misrule—Universal Egotism and
Insensibility to grand Sentiments—Hopelessness of Reform—Preparation
for Ruin
CHAPTER XI.
THE FALL OF THE EMPIRE.
False Security of the Roman People—Their stupendous Delusions—The Invasion of Barbarians—Their Characteristics—Their alternate Victory and Defeat—Desolation of the Provinces—The Degeneracy of the Legions— General Imbecility and Cowardice—Great public Misfortunes—General Union of the Germanic Nations—Their Leaders—Noble but vain Efforts of a Succession of warlike Emperors—The rising Tide of Barbarians—Their irresistible Advance—The Siege and Sack of Rome—The Fall of Cities— Miseries of all Classes—Universal Despair and Ruin—The Greatness of the Catastrophe—Reflections on the Fall of Rome