Colin Elliott On The Art Of Navigating Lessons From History To The Modern World
Feb 14, 2024
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Colin Elliott, an Assistant Professor in History at Indiana University and expert on the Roman Empire, shares intriguing insights on societal responses to pandemics. He draws parallels between the Antonine Plague and modern-day COVID-19, critiquing responses and advocating for a science-driven approach. Elliott emphasizes the importance of leadership during crises, reflecting on Marcus Aurelius's Stoic philosophy and its relevance today. The conversation also highlights historical injustices and the need for accountability as we navigate future public health challenges.
Strong leadership and a stoic approach guided Marcus Aurelius in addressing the Antonine Plague
The Antonine Plague disrupted various aspects of Roman society, highlighting its vulnerability and fragility
The pandemic revealed and exacerbated social inequalities within Roman society, affecting the most vulnerable
Deep dives
Marcus Aurelius's leadership during the Antonine Plague
Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor, faced the devastating Antonine Plague during his reign. Despite the lack of medical understanding at the time, Marcus showed strong leadership. He stayed in Rome, took measures to address the epidemic, and emphasized the importance of treating the deceased with dignity. He recognized that the true threat was not just physical, but also the erosion of character and societal values in the face of fear and panic. Marcus's stoicism guided his response, focusing on acceptance and finding ways to navigate the challenges brought by the pandemic.
The societal impacts of the Antonine Plague
The Antonine Plague had far-reaching effects on Roman society. As the disease spread, it disrupted various aspects of daily life, including the economy, mining activities, and supply chains. The depletion of resources, a decline in productivity, and disruptions in trade contributed to financial instability and coin debasement. The centralized nature of Rome's governance exacerbated these challenges, as there were limited options available to address the widespread impact. The long-lasting consequences of the plague reshaped aspects of Roman society, highlighting the vulnerability and fragility of their system.
Injustice magnified by the Antonine Plague
The Antonine Plague exposed and perpetuated existing injustices within Roman society. The disease disproportionately affected the vulnerable, such as the malnourished and the poor, who lacked access to resources and healthcare. Social inequalities were evident, as the elite could retreat to their country estates, while laborers and soldiers were unable to escape the contagion. Societal divisions were further exacerbated by economic disparities and the unequal distribution of food supplies. Pandemics like the Antonine Plague illuminate the injustices within a society, revealing how the most marginalized bear the brunt of the suffering.
Religious explanations and blame during the pandemic
The Romans sought religious explanations and assigned blame for the Antonine Plague. Various theories circulated, including blaming Avidius Cassius, a military figure, for desecrating a shrine. Religious rituals and beliefs played a prominent role in understanding and responding to the epidemic. The Romans' religious worldview shaped their interpretations of the pandemic's causes and consequences. As a result, religious tensions and scapegoating emerged, leading to divisions within the society. The pandemic highlighted the intertwining of religious beliefs and societal responses during times of crisis.
The link between the Antonine Plague and persecution of Christians
During the Antonine Plague in the Roman Empire, there was an increase in persecution of Christians. Although there is no explicit source that directly links the plague and the persecution, historians have observed that the mass murder of Christians in Leon, France, and the subsequent increase in deaths and persecutions occurred in the aftermath of the plague. Christians, who were highly concentrated in the cities most affected by the plague, were blamed by the Romans for various social and religious reasons, despite lacking evidence. This ratcheted up persecution coincided with the mid to late second century, highlighting the scapegoating tendencies of societies during times of crisis.
Lessons learned from the Antonine Plague and the COVID-19 pandemic
The Antonine Plague offers insights into human behavior and societal responses during a pandemic that are still relevant today. Similar patterns of fear, misinformation, exploitation, and varying responses are evident between the ancient world and the current COVID-19 pandemic. The example of Alexander, who exploited fear and propagated magic words to protect against the plague, reflects how some individuals take advantage of uncertain times. The importance of looking at historical lessons is emphasized, as it allows societies to better prepare for future pandemics, develop resilience, make improvements in healthcare systems, and address underlying social and health inequalities. By reflecting on the mistakes and weaknesses exposed during a crisis, we have the opportunity to be better prepared for future challenges.
On this episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan talks with economic and social historian Colin Elliott. They delve into the complexities surrounding the societal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels with the ancient Antonine Plague. Elliott criticizes the lockdown measures and emphasizes the need for a nuanced and science-oriented approach. He highlights the decentralized nature of society and the diverse capacities within it, including healthcare, communities, and various institutions. The discussion touches upon the importance of accountability and learning from past mistakes, along with his book, Pox Romana, offers a comprehensive, wide-ranging account of the world’s first pandemic: the Antonine plague.
Colin P. Elliott is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Indiana University, Bloomington. He has published interdisciplinary research on the economic, social and environmental history of the Roman Empire, and his next project explores intersections between its economy and the environment. He has a PhD in Ancient History from University of Bristol and a BA in History from University of Oregon. He also received the David and Cheryl Morley Early Career Award for Outstanding Teaching (2021) and a Trustees Teaching Award (2016).
