This Powerpoint breaks down into two basic parts. The first focuses on Italy in the century after the fall of the Western Empire as it went from the rule of Odovacer to that of the Ostrogoths under Theoderic and finally the prolonged reconquest by the Eastern Emperor Justinian. Included is a short picture essay on Justinian's conquest of Italy.

It then looks at the question of whether the term "Dark Ages" can be applied to the Western Mediterranean during this period, showing areas of both decline and continuity. This is a question that a later Powerpoint (FC.042) will address for Europe overall. Included is a copy of my reading notes on this topic.

This is a self-contained PowerPoint that develops slide by slide while other notes for the students scroll down the side. It can be run as a timed presentation on its own, presented slide by slide for discussion, or integrated into your other lectures. There are also extensive pictures with captions mixed in to illustrate the lesson and capture students’ interest. This packet also contains a student reading, flowchart, and the author’s own research notes which contain lots of details and interesting trivia to spice up your class.

For more information on my flowcharts and approach to teaching history, please view my profile or visit my website at www.flowofhistory.com


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