The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

The Romans were up against a smallpox epidemic, that before it had run its course, wound up killing something like five million people in just a few years. Not only did this deal a crushing blow to the larger economy, but with the plague contracted by the legions first, it spread through the various camps like wildfire. More than one campaign was cut short or not begun at all because of the chronic manpower shortages brought about by the plague. In short, the role of the Antonine Plague played in the evolution of the Roman Empire cannot be understated.