Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
How the Antonine Plague Shaped Marcus Aurelius
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Antonine Plague, the pandemic that struck the Roman Empire from 165 to 180 AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Learn how this devastating disease, likely smallpox, killed millions—including co-emperor Lucius Verus—and crippled Rome's military and economy. Discover Marcus's stoic response, his personal losses, and how the plague influenced his Meditations. We also examine the long-term consequences: manpower shortages that forced the conscription of slaves and gladiators, the weakening of frontier defenses, and the dawn of the Crisis of…
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