Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
Marcus Aurelius and the Plague of Omen
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius captures a man lost in thought, but recent historical analysis suggests his contemplation may have been driven by something far more visceral than philosophy: the terrifying omen of disease. While previous episodes explored the Antonine Plague’s impact on legions and grain supplies, this episode investigates how Roman society interpreted the sudden outbreaks as divine punishment. We trace the path of the plague from the siege of Seleucia to the heart of Rome, examining the specific rituals performed at the Temple of Apollo and the controversial role of…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.