This download includes both a 17-slide PowerPoint AND and handout for students to follow along. Higher order thinking skills are encouraged as students summarize and visualize 10 theories on why the Roman Empire disintegrated. Enjoy!
 
Possible applications:
Students pick three of the ten reasons and write a persuasive essay arguing why those three reasons are the most significant.
Students put five reasons into their 'unrealistic' column and five into their 'realistic' column, then compare or debate with peers.
Students make an 8.5" x 11"movie poster for the fictitious film The Fall of Rome. It should include references/visuals relating to four of the ten reasons.
Students research one reason and list seven other facts they learned regarding that topic
 
Although the last Roman Emperor (Romulus Augustus) fell to barbarian invaders led by Germanic king Odoacer in 476A.D., historians have pointed to other reasons for its decline centuries before that date. The following ten slides offer possible reasons why the Roman Empire fell. Which ones make the most sense? Why?