Antonine Plague
Returning legions bring home a disease that kills millions
Legions returning from war in Mesopotamia brought an epidemic into the Roman Empire, described by the physician Galen and most likely smallpox. Over 15 years it killed millions by various estimates, possibly including co-emperor Lucius Verus.
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Did you know
In 166, men claiming to be envoys of the ruler of Rome — probably Marcus Aurelius — reached China. At the time, Rome was in the grip of the Antonine Plague.
Alive at the time
- Marcus Aurelius (aged 44)
- Claudius Ptolemy (aged 65)
- Galen (aged 36)
- Cao Cao (aged 10)