Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
Marcus Aurelius and the Antonine Plague's True Toll
When a mysterious illness struck the Roman Empire in 165 CE, it didn't just kill millions — it reshaped the reign of Marcus Aurelius. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Antonine Plague: its probable identity as smallpox, its staggering death toll (perhaps 5 to 10 million), and its impact on the Marcomannic Wars, imperial succession, and daily life in Rome. Drawing on Galen's clinical descriptions, archaeological evidence from mass graves, and the writings of Cassius Dio, they separate fact from speculation. How did the plague affect Marcus's Stoic philosophy? Did it…
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