Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) was an English historian, writer, and member of Parliament. Born into a wealthy family, Gibbon was an avid and gifted student who developed a lifelong passion for classical history. The idea for his magnum opus came to him in 1764 while visiting Rome and contemplating the ruins of the Forum. From that moment, he dedicated himself to the project, a commitment that would consume more than two decades of his life.
Gibbon’s extensive education, which included time at Oxford and a period of living in Switzerland, gave him a profound command of Latin, Greek, and French. He served in the militia and in Parliament, which provided him with valuable insights into politics and administration. However, it was his singular focus on his book that defined his life. He worked meticulously, consulting a vast number of primary and secondary sources. Gibbon is celebrated not only for his scholarly rigor but also for his literary genius. His work remains a testament to his intelligence, discipline, and the profound power of historical inquiry.
