Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast cover image

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

The Plague of Marcus Aurelius

Feb 8, 2024
01:08:19
Snipd AI
Colin Elliott, an economic and social historian, discusses the Antonine Plague in Ancient Rome and its impact on society and military capability. They explore Marcus Aurelius' perspective, religious interpretations, and potential parallels to our own pandemic. The conversation covers the limited sources of information, the peculiar snake-like creature known as Sweetie, and the promotion of individuals from lower social classes during the plague.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Antonine Plague caused widespread devastation and fear in ancient Rome, affecting all social classes.
  • Superstition and religious belief were pervasive during the plague, with people seeking magical spells and prayers for protection and cure.

Deep dives

The Antonine Plague: A Deadly and Mysterious Disease

The Antonine Plague, also known as the plague of Marcus Aurelius, was a new and highly transmissible disease that swept through the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD. It affected numerous cities, including Rome, and infected people from all social classes. Symptoms included fever, ulcers in the throat, black stools, foul breath, and a pustular rash. While the exact cause of the plague is unknown, it is believed to be a variant of a pox virus. The disease lasted for at least 10 years and possibly longer, causing widespread devastation and fear.

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