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Gibbon's Britain and Imperial Rome May 31, 2012

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Gibbon must have understood the early empire well, but probably not the later one so much. I think this gives us a clue as to why the empire fell.

Barbarians on the Rhine - Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 25 Part 4 May 24, 2012

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The wide waters of the Rhine separated the rich and peaceful provinces of Gaul from the violent barbarians of Germany. But it was no barrier. The warlike tribes were only prevented from helping themselves to the property of the empire's inhabitants by the Roman army.

The Reigns of Valentinian and Valens - Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 25 Part 3 May 17, 2012

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Valentinian was a brutal soldier, but did have a soft spot deep down. He had a no nonsense approach to religion. His brother had a lot more trouble with religious dissension, particularly in Egypt.

Procopius - Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 25 Part 2 May 10, 2012

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Procopiuswho w as the cousin of Juian and the last person with any connection with the house of Constantine made a bid to take over the empire and very nearly succeeded.

Brief Reign of Jovian - Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 25 Part 1 May 06, 2012

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Jovian's reign was promising but in the event was short lived. But it did mark the final establishment of Orthodox Christianity.

The Retreat of Jovian - Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 24 Part 3 Apr 26, 2012

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Jovian comes from nowhere to ascend the throne of the Roman Empire, then proceeds to make the first territorial concessions in hte empire's history. Julian is buried to widespread grief.

Could Julian the Apostate have defeated Christianity? Mar 31, 2012

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Julian the Apostate was the last pagan emperor of Rome. He didn't directly persecute Christians, but he had the most effective response to them of any of the emperors. Could he have turned the tide with a longer reign?

The Death of Julian - Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 24 Part 1 Mar 29, 2012

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To everyone's surprise, Julian was killed in hand to hand fighting in Persia.

Julian Invades Persia Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Chapter 24 Part 1 Mar 24, 2012

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Julian invades the Persian Empire. Nobody knows why, but it was probably motivated by his dislike of the Christians.

Black Swan by Nassim Taleb Mar 06, 2012

Show notes

Like a conversation with an educated, intelligent and erudite friend who refers frequently to his equally clever friends. It is an enjoyable experience and you learn a lot and feel better, and maybe a little cleverer. In a random and unpredictable world, I can think of no greater recommendation.

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