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History Extra podcast
The plague that brought the Roman empire to its knees
Aug 29, 2024
Colin Elliott, an author and expert on the Antonine Plague, delves into the chaos that swept through the Roman Empire around AD 165. He discusses the initial prosperity of the empire before the plague struck, revealing how it catalyzed fear, scapegoating, and social unrest. Elliott draws parallels to modern pandemic responses, highlighting the devastation to military and labor, and how emperors' leadership styles influenced public perception. Ultimately, he questions whether the plague was the sole cause of the empire's decline or just a catalyst for existing vulnerabilities.
45:13
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Quick takeaways
- The Antonine Plague exposed underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities within the Roman Empire, exacerbating existing issues like labor shortages and inflation.
- The abandonment of the city by Emperor Marcus Aurelius during the plague highlighted a significant decline in leadership and governance.
Deep dives
The Roman Empire Before the Antonine Plague
In AD 161, the Roman Empire was characterized by a period of prosperity known as the Pax Romana, marked by political stability, economic growth, and cultural development. Under the leadership of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his adoptive brother Lucius Verus, the empire seemed to thrive with successful military campaigns and a robust economy. However, underlying issues existed, including food supply challenges and a sluggish military readiness that began to compromise its strength. This idyllic facade would soon be shattered by the arrival of the Antonine Plague in 165 AD, revealing cracks in the Empire's seemingly invincible structure.
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