THE

HISTORY

OF THE

DECLINE AND FALL

OF THE

ROMAN EMPIRE.

CHAP. XVII.

Foundation of Constantinople —Political systemof Constantine and his successors—Militarydiscipline — The Palace—The finances.

THE unfortunate Licinius was the last rival who opposed the greatness, and the last cap-tive who adorned the triumph, of Constan-tine . After a tranquil and prosperous reign, theconqueror bequeathed to his family the inherit-ance of the Roman empire; a new capital, anew policy, and a new religion; and the in-novations which he established have been em-braced and consecrated by succeeding genera-tions. The age of the great Constantine andhis sons is filled with important events ; but thehistorian must be oppressed by their number andvol. in. n

CHAP.

XVII.