The Antonine Plague (165-180 CE): How a Pandemic Shook the Roman Empire

The Antonine Plague (165-180 CE): How a Pandemic Shook the Roman Empire
By Emily J. Wilson

At the height of its power, the Roman Empire faced a catastrophe unlike any before-the Antonine Plague. Spreading rapidly through Rome's vast trade networks and military campaigns, this devastating pandemic claimed an estimated five million lives, altering the empire's trajectory forever.

In The Antonine Plague (165-180 CE): How a Pandemic Shook the Roman Empire, historian Emily J. Wilson delivers a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of antiquity's most consequential pandemics. Through a compelling blend of historical records, firsthand accounts from the physician Galen, and modern epidemiological insights, this book explores the plague's origins, symptoms, and its sweeping impact on Roman society.

From the battlefield to the imperial palace, Wilson examines how Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his administration struggled to contain the crisis, the ways in which the plague reshaped Rome's economy, military, and governance, and the long-term consequences that would foreshadow the empire's decline.

With engaging storytelling and scholarly precision, The Antonine Plague offers a fascinating look into an ancient pandemic with striking parallels to modern times, revealing timeless lessons on resilience, leadership, and the fragility of even the most powerful civilizations.

Perfect for readers of ancient history, medical history, and those interested in the impact of pandemics on society.