This book provides a broad description of the political events, as well as the economic, cultural and everyday life of that critical and exciting period in world history, which is called the “decline of the ancient era.” Extensive factual material and numerous sociological “calculations” serve as an illustration of the author’s original thoughts about this time. Acquaintance with this book makes it possible to comprehend not only the history of the Roman Empire, but also to take a fresh look at the medieval history of Europe.