So if knowledge is your goal, I'd recommend grabbing a modern book or reading wikipedia (seriously).

Despite Gibbon's unmatched thoroughness, the work is over 200 years old, and as such there are inevitably some inaccuracies due to the limitations of the sources at the time. I wouldn't recommend it if your goal is simply to become more knowledgeable about a period.

The book is not, however, a good introduction to Roman History, or even to the history of the late Empire for that matter. Gibbon does not hesitate to editorialize throughout the narrative, offering readers strong and candid impressions through his cynical tone, his acerbic wit, and his biting criticism of contemptible characters. The main strengths of the work are Gibbon's clever and (dare I say) sublime command of the English language, his impressive wit, his astute observations and analysis of the political significance of major events, his keen perception of the levers of power in Roman society, his awareness of the human condition during what he describes rather bluntly as one of the most awful eras in history, and his genuine appreciation for the consternation of a people subject to the whims and caprice of all-powerful monarchs. The 'Decline and Fall' can be best described as a brilliantly written exposition of Gibbon's views on events after the death of Marcus Aurelius and how these contributed to the downfall of the Roman empire, interwoven within a chronological narrative alongside colorful anecdotes and digressions. This audiobook is absolutely phenomenal-and I have much to say about that-but let me first be clear about what this book is and what it is not. Masterpiece - Best Audiobook I’ve Listened To

Edward gibbons fall of the roman empire