Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
The Stoic Emperor and the Antonine Plague's True Death Toll
Episode 99 of Fexingo History's Marcus Aurelius series examines the Antonine Plague, the mysterious epidemic that ravaged the Roman Empire during the Marcomannic Wars. Lucas and Luna explore the conflicting ancient sources—Galen, Cassius Dio, and archaeological evidence—to reconstruct the plague's symptoms, spread, and true death toll. They discuss the plague's origin in the Parthian city of Seleucia, its transmission by returning legions under Lucius Verus, and its devastating impact on army recruitment, agriculture, and the imperial succession. The episode also examines…
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