1. Decline and Fall of Rome
GSI

2. What factors led to the decline and fall of Rome?
Marcus Aurelius dies
Pax Romana ends
Military rule
Military anarchy
Invasions
Plague (an epidemic disease)
Near economic collapse
Diocletian and Constantine stifle livelihood of Rome
Germanic groups move in
Visigoths defeat Rome in 378
ransack Rome in 410
Germans cross frontiers
Vandals ransack Rome in 455
Romulus Augustulus was removed from office in 476

3. Theories about the Decline and Fall of Rome
Christianity’s emphasis on a spiritual kingdom weakened Roman military virtues
Traditional Roman values declined as non-Italians gained prominence in the empire
Lead poisoning through leaden water pipes and cups caused a mental decline in the population
Plague wiped out one-tenth of the population
Rome failed to advance technologically because of slavery
Rome was unable to put together a workable political system