The Antonine Plague: A Historical Overview

The Antonine Plague, first reported in 165 AD, marked the beginning of significant infectious outbreaks within the Roman Empire, characterized by severe symptoms such as fever, coughing, and a distinctive dry, pustular rash. This epidemic is notable as it is one of the first instances in history where the term 'plague' is used to describe a widespread disease affecting a large urban population. The Roman Empire at this time was at its territorial peak, spanning from the Atlantic to the Euphrates, which facilitated the rapid spread of the disease among its densely populated cities. Despite the vast geographic range of the Empire, records primarily note the disease's impact in urban areas, leaving the extent of its rural spread uncertain.