In Our Time The Plague of Justinian
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Jan 21, 2021 Join John Haldon, a Byzantine history expert, Rebecca Flemming, a classics scholar, and Greg Woolf, a Roman history specialist, as they delve into the Plague of Justinian, which devastated Constantinople in 541 AD. They explore the chilling accounts from Procopius, revealing the unprecedented fear and death toll. The discussion uncovers new insights into disease transmission and the societal impacts of the plague, alongside an examination of the medical limitations of the era and how they influenced future practices.
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Justinian's Reign and the Plague
- Justinian, a 6th-century Roman Emperor, ruled from Constantinople for almost 40 years.
- Known for Hagia Sophia and military conquests, he's linked to a devastating plague.
Plague Symptoms
- The Justinianic Plague's main symptoms were sudden fever and buboes (swellings).
- Other symptoms varied, including delirium, vomiting, and intestinal issues, leading to unpredictable deaths.
Fear and Death Toll
- John of Ephesus, an eyewitness, worried about dying each night.
- Procopius claimed 5,000-10,000 daily deaths in Constantinople, while John of Ephesus estimated even higher numbers.