Latest / Marcus Aurelius: Rome's Philosopher King — Fexingo History
Marcus Aurelius and the Antonine Plague
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the devastating Antonine Plague that swept through the Roman Empire during Marcus Aurelius' reign from 165 to 180 AD. They discuss the likely pathogen (smallpox or measles), its origins in the East after the sack of Seleucia, and its catastrophic death toll—perhaps 5 to 10 million people. Lucas explains how the plague crippled the Roman military, forcing the recruitment of gladiators and bandits, and how Galen's medical writings provide our best evidence. They also examine Marcus Aurelius' philosophical response, drawing on the…
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