The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon — In The West
Scope Of Chapter XVII.
Foundation of Constantinople. - Political system of Constantine. - Military Discipline. - The Palace. - The Finances
ADEvent
324 Design of a New Capital
Situation of Byzantium
Description of Constantinople
The Bosphorus
The Port of Constantinople
The Propontis
The Hellespont
Advantages of Constantinople
Foundation of the City
Its Extent
Progress of the Work
Edifices
Population
Privileges
330 or 334 Dedication
300-500Form of Government in the Roman Empire
Hierarchy of the State
Three Ranks of Honour
Four Divisions of Office
  1. The Consuls
    The Patricians
  2. The Praetorian Praefects
       The Praefects of Rome and Constantinople
        The Proconsuls, Vice-Praefects, etc.
        The Governors of the Provinces
        The Profession of the Law
  3. The Military Officers
       Distinction of the Troops
        Reduction of the Legions
        Difficulty of Levies
       Increase of Barbarian Auxiliaries
  4. Seven Ministers of the Palace
    1. The Chamberlain
    2. The Master of the Offices
    3. The Quaestor
    4. The Public Treasurer
    5. The Private Treasurer
    6. & 7. The Counts of the Domestics
Agents, or Official Spies
Use of Torture
Finances
The General Tribute, or Indiction
Assessed in the Form of a Capitation
Capitation on Trade and Industry
Free Gifts
Conclusion
Volume 1 Main IndexVolume 2