Roman Empire's vulnerability to disease from "summary" of The Fate of Rome by Kyle Harper
The Roman Empire's vulnerability to disease was a critical factor in shaping its fate. The interconnected world of the Roman Empire facilitated the spread of infectious diseases, as people, goods, and germs moved along a vast network of roads and sea routes. This increased connectivity meant that once a disease emerged in one part of the empire, it could quickly spread to other regions, creating widespread outbreaks. One of the most devastating diseases to afflict the Roman Empire was the Antonine Plague, which struck in the second century AD. This pandemic, likely caused by smallpox or measles, decimated the population and weakened the empire's ability to defend its borders and maintain order. The Antonine Plague was followed by other outbreaks, such as the Plague of Cyprian in the third century AD, further straining the empire's resources and resilience. The Roman Empire's urban centers were particularly vulnerable to disease, as crowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water created ideal breeding grounds for pathogens. Diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, and malaria thrived i...
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