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.
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