The LRB Podcast The First Pandemic?
Aug 7, 2024
Josephine Quinn, a scholar specializing in ancient diseases, explores the Antonine plague, thought to be Rome's first pandemic. She discusses Galen's unusual treatments and the mystery surrounding the disease's modern diagnosis. Ice cores and ancient amulets offer insights into the plague's impact, revealing economic downturns and societal shifts during the crisis. Quinn also reflects on how lessons from historical pandemics like the Antonine plague inform our understanding of current health challenges. It's a fascinating dive into the past's relevance today.
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Not Bubonic or Modern Smallpox
- The Antonine Plague wasn't bubonic plague, as sores appeared all over the body, not just in the armpits and groin.
- Smallpox was initially suspected, but microbial DNA analysis suggests modern smallpox is too recent.
Uncertain Death Toll
- The Antonine Plague's death toll is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 1-2 million to 20 million.
- Three key unknowns are the Roman Empire's population, the disease's fatality rate, and a lack of statistical evidence.
Galen's Account
- Galen, Marcus Aurelius' physician, documented the plague's symptoms and his treatments, including viper flesh and opium.
- Later writers used the plague as a metaphor for the era's decline, but Galen's writings are the primary contemporary source.