Captives Quote by Edward Gibbon
“The triumph of the Romans was indeed sullied by their treatment of the captive king, whom they hung on a gibbet without the knowledge of their indignant general. This disgraceful act of cruelty which might be imputed to the fury of the troops, was followed by the deliberate murder of Withicab, the son of Vadomair; a German prince, of a weak and sickly constitution, but of a daring and formidable spirit.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon, 1776
Roman victories were tainted by cruelty toward a captive king and the murder of a noble prince, showing how harsh actions can corrupt triumph.
In simple terms: Victory marred by cruelty and murder.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethics in success.
Themes
power
ethics
military conquest
Mood
somber
critical
Type
historical
ethical
When to use this quote
- military leadership
- political decision‑making
- historical analysis
- justice systems
Key Concepts
hubris
moral decay
historical consequence
Questions to Reflect On
- What moral responsibilities accompany power?
- Can cruelty ever be justified in war?
A Different Perspective
Such acts can provoke rebellion and long‑term instability.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/338/edward-gibbon-710_byzantine_in-the-national-and-religious-conflict-o_29382.jpg)
![“[Every] hour of delay abates the fame and force of the invader, and multiplies the resources of defensive war.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4de/edward-gibbon-710_delay_every-hour-of-delay-abates-the-fame-and_94668.jpg)
