Marcus Aurelius and the Antonine Plague's Toll

Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History · Jul 17, 2026 · 7m · transcript

Episode 162 of Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King takes a deep dive into the Antonine Plague, the devastating pandemic that swept the Roman Empire during the reign of the philosopher-emperor. We explore the origins of the plague, likely smallpox brought back by troops from the East, and its catastrophic impact on Rome's military, economy, and society. Lucas and Luna discuss how the plague shaped Marcus's policies, including his efforts to support orphans and ease the burden on struggling communities. We also examine the role of the physician Galen, who documented the…