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The plague that brought the Roman empire to its knees

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The plague that brought the Roman empire to its knees

Colin Elliott explores the mysterious history of the Antonine Plague and its impact on the fall of the Roman empire

Published: August 30, 2024 at 7:30 AM

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In AD 165, the Roman empire was enjoying a period of seemingly unprecedented prosperity and stability. Then, the Antonine Plague arrived, bringing with it death, chaos, and fear. Speaking with James Osborne, Colin Elliott, author of Pox Romana, dissects the impact of this devastating plague on Roman society, and questions whether it was the cause of the empire's eventual demise.

Colin Elliott is the author of Pox Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World (Princeton University Press, 2024)