"The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" is a historical work written by Edward Gibbon in the late 18th century. It explores the reasons behind the collapse of the Roman Empire, which occurred over several centuries. Gibbon argues that a combination of internal weaknesses, such as political corruption and economic troubles, along with external pressures from invading tribes, led to the empire's downfall. The book is divided into three volumes, covering the history from the height of the empire to its eventual fall in the West in 476 AD. Gibbon's analysis emphasizes the role of Christianity and the loss of civic virtue among citizens as significant factors in the decline. His work remains influential in the study of history and the understanding of the complexities of empire.