Antonine Plague was a widespread outbreak of disease that occurred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius . The plague is named after Antoninus, the emperor’s family name. The epidemic first appeared in A.D.166. It lasted to about 172, with another possible outbreak in Rome around 189. The plague caused widespread economic and military changes. Some historians view this plague as one of the factors leading to the ultimate decline of the Roman Empire.
The outbreak of disease appears to have begun during a campaign against the Parthians in Mesopotamia led by Lucius Verus . The plague reached Rome in less than a year causing widespread death and famine. Modern historians disagree on the number of deaths caused by this plague. The estimated death toll in the Roman Empire is between about 2 percent and 10 percent of the population.
Much of what historians know of the Antonine Plague comes from the Roman physician Galen . He claims to have personally observed and treated sufferers in Rome and Aquileia in northeastern Italy. Unfortunately, he does not provide a detailed description of the disease. However, modern medical historians have pieced together the signs and symptoms of the epidemic based on Galen’s writings. The plague was associated with pustules (pus-filled bumps) and a black rash covering the body. Those who were afflicted suffered diarrhea, black excrement (solid waste matter), foul breath, vomiting, upset stomach, cough, internal ulcers, and fever.
Scholars are uncertain as to the cause for the Antonine plague. They suspect several contagious diseases, including bubonic plague, measles , smallpox , and typhus . Many consider smallpox the most likely cause based on Galen’s description of pustules and a black rash. However, this diagnosis is not supported by any physical evidence.
