Antonine Plague (165-180 A.D.)

Notable Pandemics

The Antonine Plague infiltrated the Mediterranean in 165 A.D., would last until roughly 180 A.D., and was believed the be the decline of the Roman Empire. This Plague was thought to originate from China, spreading west ward through trading ships. Although the numbers are not completely accurate, it is believed that 60-70 million people perished from the plague within the Roman Empire. The symptoms and course of the outbreak was described by Greek physician, Galen, he described the symptoms as follows: fever, diarrhea (described as black), vomiting, thirstiness, swollen throat, and coughing. Many scientists believe the Antonine plague was caused by small pox, however there needs to be more evidence to prove this theory.